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Can a Gynecologist Be Your Primary Care Physician?

6 mins read

Most experts recommend that women have both an annual physical and yearly visit to the gynecologist to ensure their overall health and wellbeing. However, it can seem overwhelming to keep track of so many doctor visits throughout the year. If you’re worried about frequently going to the doctor, you might wonder if it’s possible to combine your yearly checkups into one with a visit to your NYC gynecologist.

Generally speaking, it’s best to have both a primary care physician and a gynecologist. This is because gynecologists and ob/gyns specialize in women’s health and may not provide care for more general medical conditions. Having both a primary care doctor and a gynecologist is a great way to build a health team prepared to assist you in all stages of your life.

Keep reading to find out how gynecologists and primary care physicians differ and how you can make the most of your regular healthcare visits with them.

The differences between a Gynecologist and a primary care physician 

Gynecologists and primary care physicians have different specialties that help them treat their patients. Here is what you need to know about these specific doctors so you can tell the differences between them. 

Gynecologist or OB/GYN

Gynecologists are doctors that focused on women’s health, or gynecology, during their residency after medical school. These doctors can cover a wide range of women’s health concerns, from prescribing contraception to regular checkups and hormonal monitoring.

Gynecologists may share their practices with obstetricians, who focus on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These doctors can provide pre-pregnancy health checks, such as ultrasounds of the ovaries and uterus, or consultations throughout pregnancy. Your obstetrician will likely work with you throughout your entire pregnancy and may even deliver your baby.

Primary Care Doctors

Primary care physicians (or PCPs, which most people call them) are doctors with the broadest range of specialization. Most primary care doctors focus on internal medicine or family medicine as a specialty, which gives them the versatility to be a one-stop-shop for most healthcare needs. 

Most people will go to their PCP before seeing a specialist when something goes wrong. That’s because these general practitioners can handle anything from a cold to diabetes and joint pain. However, a primary care doctor’s real value comes from yearly physical exams where they can offer preventative services like monitoring vital signs and cholesterol screenings.

Pediatricians are specialized primary care doctors for children, but they can provide medical guidance for the whole family as family medicine doctors. These medical professionals can provide vaccinations and immunizations for common illnesses like chickenpox or measles. Regular visits to your child’s pediatrician are a great way to build a robust medical history that can help them later in life.

Should I have a primary care physician and a gynecologist?

While there may seem to be some overlap between primary care physicians and gynecologists, it’s typically a good idea to have both of them as part of your care team. Since these two doctors are relatively specialized, they provide the best care when performing services in their specialty.

Having both a PCP and a gynecologist helps ensure that all of your specific care needs are met before they become more significant health issues. 

Should I see a gynecologist or regular doctor?

If you’re not sure what kind of doctor you should see, there are a few things you can consider before making your appointment. Are you interested in getting advice regarding birth control, menopause, or other reproductive health concerns? In that case, you should reach out to an ob/gyn.

Suppose you’re worried about something more general, such as a cold, or are interested in a yearly physical, or are looking for more general medical advice. In that case, it might be best to visit a primary care physician or general practitioner. 

You shouldn’t worry about picking the wrong doctor when it comes to medical care. If you accidentally go to the wrong doctor, it’s generally not a big deal. Both general practitioners and ob/gyns can provide referrals to another specialist to ensure you get the best care. For example, while primary care providers may provide some guidance during pregnancy, they are not experts. Your doctor may suggest you follow-up with an ob/gyn for more specialized care, like monitoring fetal development or testing for genetic defects.

Similarly, your gynecologist may recognize that you have high blood pressure while taking your vital signs during an appointment. Since they do not specialize in internal medicine outside of women’s health, they may refer you to an internist to ensure that there is no underlying cause of heart disease. Your gynecologist may also refer you to a dermatologist if they notice a rash during a physical exam.

Can a primary care physician do a pap smear?

Some primary care physicians can do exams that a gynecologist would typically do during your yearly physical. If you’re interested in getting a pelvic exam or pap smear as part of your regular wellness check, ask your doctor if they provide that service. 

Typically, a family practice doctor will provide these services if they see younger patients. However, if they tend to work with older patients, they may not offer these services. It’s important to ask a general practitioner if they will perform well-woman exams, such as breast cancer screenings, pelvic exams, and pap smears, before building a relationship with them, so you know what to expect during your yearly visits.

Even if your PCP does provide these services, you should still consider having a full-time gynecologist specializing in women’s healthcare. If any of the test results done by your general practitioner come back suspicious, your doctor may refer you for a gynecological consultation for further investigation. 

Your health can’t be guaranteed by just one doctor, which is why you need both a gynecologist and a primary care physician. While your gynecologist can give you great insights into your health, you still need a PCP to provide guidance for more general health issues. Many women have a closer relationship with their gynecologist than their PCP, making it attractive to use them as their sole medical professional. 

It’s important to realize that even the best ob/gyn may have limited resources when treating conditions outside of reproductive health. Going to a gynecologist for chest pains or a cold is not ideal, and you might not get the best care. That’s why you need to have a full team of health professionals in your corner to ensure that you get the best care possible.

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Excelentes atenciones, no las conozco personalmente y no se porque pero estas personas tienen algo sobrenatural porque no se explicar lo bien que me atendieron. son bastante rápidos pienso yo y todo muy limpio, muy lindo.. gracias chicas!
Chamel D.
Chamel D.
22:17 27 Nov 23
El trato de todo el personal es excelente
Miosotis M.
Miosotis M.
20:06 27 Nov 23
The experience was great Patricia was so nice dealing with me an my sister an so professional
Kwame L.
Kwame L.
19:29 27 Nov 23
Dr. Tsyba is one of the most greatest GYN there is. I couldn’t ask for a better DR.
Gordiva C.
Gordiva C.
22:54 22 Nov 23
Escelente
Gilberto P.
Gilberto P.
17:04 22 Nov 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.
02:25 17 Nov 23
Great experience each time I go . Professional clean and very respectful office. Staff always pleasant. Doctors very caring.
Juanita R.
Juanita R.
20:22 13 Nov 23
Excelente servicio, la atención al cliente y el seguimiento al paciente muy bueno.
Edwin S.
Edwin S.
20:02 13 Nov 23
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed.. Dr Marly Granna is the best .. you don’t meet doctors like her anymore these days 🙇‍♂️🙏
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
17:56 13 Nov 23
It’s always a welcoming experience.
Mr.M A
Mr.M A
22:30 09 Nov 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
10:52 08 Nov 23
From the front deck to the Doctor are very easy to talk to, is a great experience visiting them
Azeez O.
Azeez O.
18:46 07 Nov 23
Fast , professional and great experience. I highly recommend this place for anyone who needs to do immigration medical exam . 10/10
adelina T.
adelina T.
23:36 26 Oct 23
J’ai eu une bonne impression a Harlem Gynecologist, l’accueil au top,le personnel au top,rien a dire
diaby H.
diaby H.
18:28 25 Oct 23
My MD is great! Very attentive to my needs. Great listener and good bedside manner.
Rhonda M.
Rhonda M.
18:06 24 Oct 23
I highly recommend Great Medical!they are amazing.
Julio C.
Julio C.
17:48 20 Oct 23
My first time visiting this practice. They were very through, from intake, which was done by a Dr. that I assumed was a nurse because he was so young lol. I wound up seeing Jaime who is a GYN NP, she was awesome. They asked a lot of questions about my history, which I really appreciated. Labs and Sonogram are done on-site. I will be returning.
Shay S.
Shay S.
01:13 20 Oct 23
The ladies are very polite and the doctors are really nice😊
Sheribel C.
Sheribel C.
19:45 12 Oct 23
I’ve been coming here for years and my doctor shows true concern about all my health issues staff here are also great
Trina M.
Trina M.
17:26 12 Oct 23
They e the best and I lov my dr Grana
jorge B.
jorge B.
16:40 09 Oct 23
I have been there about 5 times and I must say , they are very Professional and friendly. From front desk , nurses and doctors.
Wendy W.
Wendy W.
11:05 06 Oct 23
Patty the sono tech and Dr. Yelena Tsyba are excellent care givers. They were kind courteous and answered all my questions
Elisa T.
Elisa T.
20:55 05 Oct 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.
20:26 05 Oct 23
Amazing and fast serviceEveryone is so kind and friendlyThank you
Anastasiia T.
Anastasiia T.
17:33 05 Oct 23
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
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
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
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
Ksenia K
17:23 26 May 23
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