Primary care practitioners, also known as primary care physicians, act as the entry point into the healthcare system. They provide general medical care and are responsible for overall care, including preventative care, supportive care and the coordination of medical specialists. Several studies have shown that people who have a primary care doctor are less likely to go to an emergency department unnecessarily and also have a longer lifespan than those who do not. In addition to this, there are many benefits of seeing the same doctor: When people see a doctor they do not know, the doctor may not have all the background information necessary to diagnose and treat the problem and as a consequence, the doctor may repeat tests or perform unnecessary tests.

Primary care practitioners provide a wide range of healthcare services, including wellness and prevention screenings, and they also commonly check for:

– High blood pressure
– Other risk factors for heart disease
– High cholesterol
– Diabetes mellitus
– Breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers
– Developmental disorders
– Status of immunizations to prevent illness
– Sexually transmitted diseases
– Depression
– Signs of domestic violence

Primary care physicians also provide care for acute injuries and illnesses and will likely be able to:

– Perform lab tests to diagnose medical conditions
– Prescribe appropriate medications for certain conditions
– Check for interactions with other medicines
– Conduct an EKG to evaluate heart health
– Do spirometry tests to assess lung function

– Treat acute conditions like:

– Asthma attacks
– Migraine attacks
– Urinary tract infections (UTI)

– Provide wound care
– Manage fever or dehydration
– Perform tests to check for broken bones
– Splint, cast, or brace injured limbs
– Treat minor skin infections, bites or rashes
– Treat muscle strains or sprains
– Assess the need to see a specialist

Primary care physicians can provide care for people living with one or more chronic conditions, such as:

– Coordinate care with specialists
– Prescribe medications to manage a condition
– Change medications if they stop working
– Adjust medications when needed
– Help patients make healthy choices, including diet, exercise, and self-care
– Monitor drug interactions
– Perform necessary lab tests to monitor health
– Connect patients with resources related to their condition

Primary care provides a number of incredible health benefits, including:

– Continuity of Care
– Convenience
– Health Maintenance
– Early Detection of Disease
– Better Communication

When looking for a new primary care physician, it is important to consider the following factors:

– See which doctors are in your network
– Ask family and friends for a recommendation
– Consider their location and convenience
– Make sure their schedule aligns with yours
– Ensure they have experience treating your condition
– Ensure they have friendly and professional staff
– See if they can meet your special needs
– Find a doctor who can communicate clearly

If you are looking for a primary care physician, come to Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology! Our kind and compassionate professionals are currently accepting new patients and would love to meet with you! Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 711 W Center St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379. Our office is open five days a week: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. We look forward to serving you!