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What is a Primary Care Doctor?

6 mins read

Spend a few minutes reading up on the world of health care and you’ll come across this phrase: a primary care doctor. And the phrase itself makes sense. A primary care doctor is someone you see first when you have a problem, or to get a routine check-up.

It’s when you toss in the other words that things get confusing for patients. Who are “internists”? Is a primary care provider different than a primary care physician? Where do pediatrics fit in? And what happens when your health insurance doesn’t offer the coverage for routine checkups with your primary care physician? Let’s answer these questions to make sense of all the different words you’re likely to encounter.

 

What is the Difference Between a Primary Care Physician and a Family Doctor?

A “family doctor” is a doctor who doesn’t specialize in either children or adults. For example, a doctor who specializes in children is known as a pediatrician. Typically, a primary care doctor for “adults” is known as someone in internal medicine. But specializing in family medicine means that the doctor doesn’t specialize in either/or. They’re capable of seeing both adult and child patients. “Family medicine” refers to the practice of examining and treating both age groups.

What about the phrase “primary care doctor”? This refers to the doctor with whom the patient has the most immediate relationship for basic care. For example, a child can have a primary care doctor who is also a pediatrician or a family medicine doctor. Similarly, an adult can have a primary care doctor who specializes in internal medicine or is a family medicine doctor.

 

What Does a Primary Care Doctor Do?

A primary care doctor can help with preventative care and other basic health care needs. Unless you have an emergency, they’re the ones you see first if you have an issue that you need remedied.

Think of the primary care doctor as your first line of defense in the battle to maintain wellness. They’re the ones you see for checkups, or even during the management of your long-term chronic conditions. If you do have medical needs that venture outside their realm of expertise, they can then offer you a referral to a specialist who can pay closer attention to your specific issues.

 

Why is Primary Care So Important?

There isn’t one particular reason; instead, there are all sorts of reasons that primary care can be so important.

 

  • Preventative care. There’s an old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s certainly the case with many ailments. Having a good relationship with your primary care doctor will help ensure that they’re aware of your issues, and that they can step in and offer preventative care when necessary.
  • A primary care doctor, especially one who handles family medicine, can advise you on the immunizations you or a child may need in certain situations. They can help you navigate the complex world of medical history and medical conditions to understand what your best options for prevention may be.
  • Patient-specific needs. When you have specific needs due to your individual medical status, those are very private needs. No patient wants to constantly switch between gynecologists or internal medicine doctors, after all. To do so can be counterproductive to good care. It also makes navigating the world of medicine much more difficult for each patient.
  •  

Why is Primary Care so Important?

 

Patients of all ages require a primary care physician. For someone young, that may be a doctor who focuses on a family practice. For someone old, it may refer to a geriatrician. But the point is simple: it’s good to have a primary care physician that you can depend on. Someone who knows your history, knows you, and understands what’s important when it comes to your treatment.

 

There’s a temptation to view primary care physicians as “generalists.” People who might not know as much about specific health conditions that you might suffer from. And in many cases, that is true. There is a reason a primary care physician is typically not someone who specializes in a specific type of ailment, or a specific type of patient. Their role is to handle a wider range of knowledge, and then hand over a referral when necessary.

 

It’s also important for you to have some confidence in the people you work with. It’s your health, after all. As you familiarize yourself with your primary care physician, they can handle relatively routine problems like high blood pressure. You’ll get to know their offices and their office hours. As you build familiarity, the entire process of having a routine checkup will feel that much more natural to you.

 

Understanding Other Words in the Medical Field

Because there are so many terms thrown about these days, it’s important for patients to have a clear understanding of who does what. The more you know about these terms, the better you’ll be able to grasp the different quirks of getting your own health taken care of. Let’s look at some of these:

 

  • OB-GYN: This stands for Obstetrics and gynecology.
  • Obstetricians: Separate from an OB-GYN. As WebMD notes, a gynecologist is a doctor specializing in the reproductive health of women. Obstetricians help women during their pregnancy, as well as after the child is born, and can also deliver babies. An OB-GYN refers to someone who handles both specialties.
  • “Board-certified.” Board-certified refers to, according to the American Board of Medical Specialties, “specialty-specific training beyond medical licensure.” Typically this is relevant for medical specialties, and may not be as relevant when consulting with a primary care physician. In that case, a proper medical license is what you’ll want to be focused on.
  • Geriatric: This refers to the care of the elderly. There are many medical professionals who specifically handle elder care.

 

How Do You Know Which Kind of Physician is Right For You?

Between all of the terms—family doctor, primary care physician, internal medicine, etc.—it can be easy to get lost in the vast dictionary of the medical world. But when you zoom in to each individual term, you’ll see that it’s not nearly as difficult to navigate as you think.

 

One of the most important aspects to realize is that having a primary care physician will help you navigate this world. You shouldn’t, after all, be expected to handle all of the research yourself. A family doctor—or a primary care physician—can be your first point of reference for making sense of what needs to happen. It’s this person that you can bring your symptoms to when you need to report something. It’s this person who you answer your questions when you’ve been hearing about the latest medical trends.

 

In turn, a good relationship with a primary care physician means you’ll build up a level of trust and comfort over time. This not only makes you more likely to seek the care you need, but will help you make more informed decisions about your care when working with an expert you can trust. From there, you’ll have more confidence in the way you approach your health—and in the way you seek out the right health care workers to help.

 

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I had a great experience at Great City Medical. My appointment was scheduled right away, the staff is very nice and professional, communication was great and prompt. Highly recommend!
Stephany B.
Stephany B.
00:35 27 Sep 23
Great and fast service.. very friendly doctors and assistants..
Mohammed Y.
Mohammed Y.
19:40 26 Sep 23
Great place and Friendly staff .Dr. Tsyba is awesome
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
16:54 21 Sep 23
Muy buenas atenciones 👍🏽
Mateo Rosario H.
Mateo Rosario H.
16:22 21 Sep 23
The doctor and staff were truly amazing. They are friendly, caring and very professional. I was seen immediately and felt very comfortable in the calmenvironment.
Daysi P.
Daysi P.
00:31 15 Sep 23
helpful,quick response and communication
Cherry P.
Cherry P.
01:26 14 Sep 23
It was all smooth. They shared the information with me prior to the medical immigration test. I highly recommend great city. 5 stars for e-communication and responsiveness!
Mahy H.
Mahy H.
17:34 13 Sep 23
Th everyone is amazing! From the reception all the way to the doctors
Winnie G.
Winnie G.
16:54 06 Sep 23
The wait to be seen is short and everybody worked well together to give each patient a pleasant experience.
Sharon P.
Sharon P.
22:46 05 Sep 23
The staff was knowledgeable of my situation and took care of me properly.
Tyrone M.
Tyrone M.
18:26 30 Aug 23
Good service!
Leandro A.
Leandro A.
16:38 30 Aug 23
Dr yelena is great
Dayana R
Dayana R
16:20 30 Aug 23
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
23:19 29 Aug 23
Muy profesional
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
18:25 22 Aug 23
Fun visit, everyone was super sweet and beautiful! From the front desk allllll the way up until I had my blood drawn at the end! Would recommend to any woman/person
Jasmine K.
Jasmine K.
00:01 15 Aug 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.
ibro D.
ibro D.
16:45 09 Aug 23
I finally have a great medical Dr.. She ordered blood work an gave me medical referrals.I love my GYN DR. at this office tooThe office is very nice n clean the front desk receptionists are all very nice a pleasant
Kyra W.
Kyra W.
17:53 07 Aug 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
23:28 03 Aug 23
Great experience!
Yami
Yami
18:00 28 Jul 23
Fast service , great assistance
Ayanna G.
Ayanna G.
16:37 28 Jul 23
I go there for my immigration exam! Everything was so perfect! Everyone was so nice with me! This is the perfect place to go for anything you want. They will help you!
Jonas C.
Jonas C.
18:05 27 Jul 23
Excelente personal very friendly ,they made easy your visit to the Dr. RECOMIENDADISIMO
Ingrid C.
Ingrid C.
19:05 26 Jul 23
It was a great experience for me as the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, also there was almost no waiting time. It was efficient, in a great atmosphere.
Ishak-Kristof F.
Ishak-Kristof F.
17:13 21 Jul 23
The people that was working with me was very nice
tyrese C.
tyrese C.
16:30 21 Jul 23
Great staff, great experience the lady’s were very professional
1 Hungry Y.
1 Hungry Y.
19:01 20 Jul 23
Great guys. Anthony is awesome.
Alberto A.
Alberto A.
18:23 20 Jul 23
The place is clean the staff and the Doctor made me feel comfortable and welcome
vickie F.
vickie F.
18:48 19 Jul 23
The doctor I saw was lovely and personable. I’d only suggest they improve the overall appearance of the practice. The floors were a bit dirty, the bathroom too.
Sophie S
Sophie S
15:45 14 Jul 23
Excelente atención
J&L LOS R.
J&L LOS R.
16:04 11 Jul 23
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
17:58 10 Jul 23
I love This Medical Office!@
Ethel C.
Ethel C.
23:11 05 Jul 23
Muy buen servicio, rapido y muy amables
Luis M Perez S.
Luis M Perez S.
04:04 02 Jul 23
Service was kind, friendly and helpful.
Phyllis T.
Phyllis T.
20:22 22 Jun 23
I have been to three states and I have never come across a medical facility where all the staff look so happy, they are all so friendly, patient orientated, gentle in care and knowledgeable with patient informing! I am so happy I found them and would recommend to everyone!
Kyle V.
Kyle V.
20:05 15 Jun 23
Service was good. Very welcoming.
Fatima O.
Fatima O.
14:55 15 Jun 23
Fue muy buen servicio todo el personal muy amable
Silvia G.
Silvia G.
22:37 14 Jun 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
15:08 14 Jun 23
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
16:38 13 Jun 23
The front dest, nurses and the doctor are very nice and professional.I didn’t wait and entered my appointment on time and everything was really quick.Overall, great experience. I highly recommend 🙂
Tzlil B.
Tzlil B.
17:27 06 Jun 23
So easy and effective getting my medical done with this team… a bit shoutout especially to Patricia who was so communicative and lovely throughout the process. And all the doctors were very comforting with my vaccines and bloods as I’m not the best with needles lol!! Can’t recommend more.
Flynn S.
Flynn S.
16:43 05 Jun 23
My original appointment was with Dr. Tysba however I was seen by the NP instead. Which turned out fine, she was great.Good Job!
Anasha A.
Anasha A.
17:52 03 Jun 23
Very happy with the year check up today 06/01/23
juan S.
juan S.
18:43 01 Jun 23
I Loved the Dr I seen today she was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable.I’m definitely going to make this my primary GYN clinic
Quaidasia T.
Quaidasia T.
19:26 31 May 23
I went to Great City Medical for an immigration medical exam. Very friendly staff! The lady who worked with me was so sweet, explained everything and answered all my questions. I spent 15 min in my first visit there (blood work and fill out forms).Bring your immunization records to avoid extra charges for vaccine shots.UPD: I received I-693 in a sealed envelope as well as a copy of I-693. The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
Ksenia K
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17:23 26 May 23
Amazing service and fast !!!
White P.
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20:21 23 May 23
Our experience was great we had great service and would recommend anyone with immigration medical examination to try this service. Thank to Great City Medical.
Joe V.
Joe V.
17:53 23 May 23
Excellent service. Great staff.
Ivette T.
Ivette T.
17:18 22 May 23
Super friendly and efficient. They know their stuff.
Chris S.
Chris S.
15:48 22 May 23
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
15:28 22 May 23
The wait was a little long, but worth it. They were great. Very nice ladies😁
Amanda P.
Amanda P.
16:55 17 May 23
Me encantaron las atenciones de principio a fin. Especialmente el trato de Anthony que se mostró muy empatico con mi caso y SUPER servicial y amable.También son muy considerados con lo que realmente a uno le hace falta y lo que no. Ellos hacen las cosas como se debe sin importar que cobren más o menos dinero.En general la experiencia fue excelente.
Nicanor N.
Nicanor N.
11:27 17 May 23
Great visit. Very efficient
Glenda C.
Glenda C.
21:05 15 May 23
Son muy amables las chicas del front desk y las doctoras también
luisaa L.
luisaa L.
19:31 08 May 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.Even the way they accommodate those who do not speak clear English is impressive. I must confess, I have never seen nor experienced such courtesy, patience and civility amongst healthcare professionals.The quality of service was also excellent. Very humble people. The doctor, very humble, accommodating, and HIGHLY professional.I’m glad I found this place. I highly recommend! 👍
Victoria A.
Victoria A.
19:31 04 May 23
Didn’t have an appointment and the money but I was taken care of staff where very friendly I do appreciate your service thank you.
Abdul M.
Abdul M.
16:31 01 May 23
They were so nice and patient and caring the best Clinic in New York
Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.
10:00 27 Apr 23
I love this place. The staff is the best, fluent Spanish, great service. I would come to their facility any day of the week!
Paul C.
Paul C.
16:09 26 Apr 23
Started my journey with Great City medical early this year, and it has been a positive experience soo far. Great team
Laila B.
Laila B.
18:35 18 Apr 23
Always have a pleasant experience with Dr. Granna.
Guillermo P.
Guillermo P.
17:40 17 Apr 23
Very professional all the staff in the front. My doctor the best and I am so thankful him. I have improved in my health. I so happy that get better and go part time job when 68 year in September turn 68years old.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
17:29 14 Apr 23
Fue mi primera vez y me gusto mucho dan Excelente atención, las recepcionistas,la enfermera y la doctora muy amables, atienden muy rápido, dan un magnífico servicio, lo recomiendo al 💯
Zery M.
Zery M.
23:13 12 Apr 23
Great people great service
Ac B.
Ac B.
12:55 07 Apr 23
Very professional I recommend going to this facility. Staff was very friendly and courteous…
Charles Hackett J.
Charles Hackett J.
21:11 06 Apr 23
Always good service and kind people over there. I had 3 year’s going to there and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
22:45 05 Apr 23
As a holistic & integrative practitioner, my PCP, Dr. Marly Grana is Amazing, has ALWAYS been & Is totally Respectful, Wise, patient, Gifted, extremely Understanding & smart treating me!Her staff, from the front desk-to-the-back is always accommodating & Extremely Professional as well!The facilities are clean.I’m blessed to have been invited to this new establishment when they began building.In this community, I’m fortunate to visit Amazing Acupuncturists, & GrowNYC.Sometimes it’s a win-win excursion.The gynecologist & her NP, on the other hand, does not support my insightful wholistic approach to healing & sustaining.
Bonita B.
Bonita B.
21:03 05 Apr 23
This is the best doctor office I have ever been ,the staffing it’s so professional and welcoming specially patricia I love her she’s amazing. My doctor Mikhail AkselRuD it’s the best ,he always give all the details about what you have and what treatment you need god bless all of them.
adalgisa S.
adalgisa S.
00:04 31 Mar 23
Great staff and service. Dr. Tsyba is the best!
Jackie L.
Jackie L.
20:05 30 Mar 23
Fast service, understanding. My Questions were answered and I felt very comfortable. Will definitely go again for follow up. Many blessings 🙌 🙏
Juanita E.
Juanita E.
23:17 29 Mar 23
I had a deadline to submit my I-693 and Great City medical came through just right for me. Timely and speedy process and the best customer service nurses I’ve experienced.
Ralph M.
Ralph M.
14:06 24 Mar 23
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