Primary care refers to a wide range of different providers who provide acute and long-term care for people of all ages. A primary care provider can be one of five categories of doctors: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine-pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Each type varies by the type of patients they treat and their specific area of focus in healthcare.

Primary care is the preferred treatment provider for all non-emergent medical conditions. These practitioners maintain long-term relationships with their patients, helping to manage many health-related issues throughout their lives.

As the first point of contact, primary care providers improve access to the entire health system. A primary care doctor is essential in helping you navigate chronic medical conditions, reducing disease risk factors, and improving your overall wellness. A primary care practitioner can provide many different functions to your healthcare such as the day-to-day management of your health needs, sick visit evaluations, and referrals to specialists when needed.

As many health insurance plans require a primary care referral to see a specialist, primary physicians can help improve your access to care. By arranging appropriate screening tests and providing tips for achieving a healthier lifestyle, a primary care provider can facilitate a longer, healthier life while reducing the overall cost of medical care.

Internal medicine physicians are exclusively trained in the prevention and treatment of adult patients. While they are a type of primary care provider, not all primary care providers are trained in internal medicine. With extensive knowledge of the medical conditions commonly affecting people over 18, internal medicine physicians focus on treating primarily adults.

In some cases, an internal medicine practitioner may seek additional specialization in geriatrics, sports medicine, or women’s health. This specific training allows them to address clinical issues or groups of patients within their practice.

The ideal type of doctor comes down to the specific needs of the person or their family. For example, if one doctor is preferred to provide care for the entire family, a family medicine doctor would be the best choice as they treat children and adults. However, for adults wanting a medicare doctor, either an internal or family medicine doctor would be a good choice.

In primary care, there are also obstetrics and gynecologists who only treat the female population. As well as, pediatricians who only treat children under 18 years of age. Therefore, the most common determinants in selecting the best type of doctor are convenience and the needs of the family.

When choosing a primary care physician in Ormond Beach, it is important to consider these five items.

• In-Network” providers. Selecting providers that have a contract with your health insurance plan is important to avoid any surprise charges or uncovered medical visits. If your primary insurance is Medicare, ensure the clinic has doctors who take Medicare.
• Expertise meets your health needs. The scope of practice can differ between the different types of primary care physicians, therefore it is essential to choose a doctor that meets your or your family’s particular healthcare needs.
• Referrals. Check with family members, friends, and co-workers to see who they use as a primary care physician. This can give you first-hand knowledge about the provider.
• Logistics. Having a local doctor’s office close to your home, work, or child’s school reduces the hassle of commuting to appointments and provides quick, convenient access to check-ups when you are sick.
• Make an appointment. Once you choose a provider, make an appointment to see if the practitioner fits your needs. If you are not completely satisfied with the provider or their office, there is no harm in choosing a different physician.

Yes. Complete Health Ormond Beach West requires every patient to have an appointment prior to being seen. This ensures that every patient’s time is respected and each patient will have an efficient visit.

If you are new to the clinic, call our office at 386-673-0517 and talk to one of our patient care specialists to schedule an appointment. They can register you into the system and provide the available appointment options.

Already an established patient at our clinic, the patient portal can be used to schedule your next appointment. Not signed up for the patient portal, no worries, create a new account and follow the steps. The patient portal allows access to your care anytime and from anywhere.