A general internist is trained to provide primary care for adults and is often referred to as a primary care physician. People will often use the terms “general practitioner” and “primary care physician” interchangeably. They are not the same, however.
 
A primary care physician is the one you see for physicals, acute illnesses, and injuries. They are your first choice with health concerns that are not life-threatening. Your primary care physician may be a family practitioner, an internist, or another type of doctor. The primary care physician for your children could be a pediatrician.
 
General practitioners and internists are considered to be primary care physicians. The real distinction between the two is that internists treat adults, whereas general practitioners provide care for people of all ages.

A primary care physician is important for many reasons. They can help with you many of the most common health concerns that arise. They are ready to help you with colds, flu, and ear infections. A primary care physician can help with minor injuries and save you a trip to the emergency room. They can also help you with chronic health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
 
Having a relationship with a primary care physician can also help you take early action on health concerns that can arise. Regular care can make it easier to identify health issues while they are still minor, preventing them from becoming major health concerns. A primary care physician can also offer advice that can get you to a healthier lifestyle. Should the need arise, they can recommend specialists that will help you.
 
In the long run, a good primary care physician can help reduce your medical costs. When you are diagnosed with a health problem sooner, it is easier to treat. When you have minor injuries, seeing the primary care physician is much cheaper than going to an emergency room. Preventative care can keep you healthier, needing fewer medications and other medical care.

Each person is complex, with unique needs. When it comes to your individual health and wellness, you need to work with someone who understands you and your health needs. To remain healthy now and in the future, you need to have a doctor who knows and understands your medical history, wellness goals, and concerns. You need more than just the aches and pains treated, you need a doctor that offers a more comprehensive understanding of that includes:

– The ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses
– Who understands disease screening and prevention
– Who has education in disease prevention and treatment
– Injury care
– Who can coordinate care with specialists
– Who can provide counseling on better health

Primary care is your first stop for healthcare. Having a primary care physician that you trust and can relate to will help you stay healthy and lead the best life possible.

Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology is located in West Bridgewater, MA. We provide a wide range of medical services and primary care. We are also accepting new patients. We provide cardiac testing, same-day sick care, primary and preventive care, and much more. Contact us or book an online appointment to find out how we can serve you. We are located at 711 W Center St West Bridgewater, MA 02379. We serve patients from West Bridgewater MA, Bridgewater MA, Taunton MA, Middleborough MA, Plymouth MA, Pembroke MA, Braintree MA, Mansfield MA, Stoughton MA, Brockton MA, Wareham MA, Somerset MA, Attleboro MA, Abington MA, and surrounding areas.