A primary care physician (PCP) can be a family medicine doctor, an internal medicine doctor (or “internist,” treating adults), or a pediatrician (treating children). Many people who have a specific underlying condition, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, may regard their endocrinologist or neurologist as their primary care doctor – but the problem with this approach is that not everything is checked and taken care of.
During your regular checkup, the primary care physician performs lab work to screen for a variety of conditions. The primary care physician also checks for any enlarged lymph nodes, heart issues, and breathing issues. These are the types of things that would not necessarily be done by a sub-specialist.
Your primary doctor serves as your first point of contact for your overall healthcare, and this is the doctor who collects and maintains all of your medical information and records from your sub-specialists. Let’s talk about why a PCP is vital in ensuring that you get healthy and stay healthy, and where you can go in North Bethesda to see an outstanding concierge primary care doctor.
How PCPs Are Key to Your Quality of Life
Primary care providers do more than just manage your day-to-day health needs and treat you when you’re sick. Your PCP can provide answers to questions you may have about chronic conditions and medicines. He/She also ensures that none of your prescription medications will interfere with each other or work together to cause harm.
When you establish a long-term professional relationship with a primary care physician, you will stay healthier and keep your medical costs as low as possible, because issues are addressed as soon as they are discovered rather than festering unknowingly for years. That’s why it is important to find the right PCP who takes the time to really get to know you during each and every visit.
At your first visit with a PCP, the doctor will review your current health, your medical history, your family’s medical history, your treatment preferences, and your lifestyle. The physician will ask about any daily challenges you may face.
Knowing these factors will enable your PCP to:
- Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date to prevent illnesses, such as COVID or the flu.
- Treat any health problems that have suddenly developed.
- Suggest tests, like a mammogram or a colonoscopy, that screen for potential problems.
- Show you ways to make better decisions regarding your health to help prevent disease, such as quitting smoking, managing stress, or following a healthier diet.
- Help you manage any long-term health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Refer you to a medical sub-specialist – such as an orthopedist or cardiologist – if you need one.
Find the Right Primary Care Physician for You
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your primary care provider – one who is qualified, who fits your personality, and who you can trust. When choosing a PCP, take into consideration:
- Their qualifications.
- Whether they are board-certified in internal medicine.
- Whether they focus on disease prevention or treatment.
- Their general approach to treatment.
- How they communicate/their bedside manner.
Skilled Primary Care Concierge Doctor in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) Area
If you’re looking for an exceptional primary care physician who can make a difference in your health, consider Dr. Adam Possner at North Bethesda Primary Care in Maryland. Dr. Possner is a board-certified internal medicine physician who delivers exceptional, personalized concierge medical care and takes the time to really get to know you.
Request your complimentary meeting with Dr. Possner to find out more about our membership-based concierge medical practice now. You can also call our office and speak with our friendly and accommodating staff at (301) 941-4414. We look forward to hearing from you!
