Primary care provides accessible healthcare services that address a large majority of healthcare needs and develop a long-term relationship with patients. The care provided is patient-centered and team-oriented to help achieve better health, better care, and lower costs. Primary care focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, counseling, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

One type of primary care provider is an internal medicine practitioner; however, not all primary care providers are internal medicine trained. Internal medicine physicians receive training focused on the prevention and treatment of adult patients (over the age of 18).

Internal medicine practitioners are trained to provide generalized care; however, some will seek additional specialization in geriatrics, sports medicine, and women’s health. This additional training provides expertise to address specific clinical issues or groups of patients within their practice.

As the first point of contact, primary care providers improve access to the entire health system. Primary care practitioners help their patients navigate their chronic medical conditions, reduce their risk factors for diseases, and improve their overall wellness. These providers are available to assist in the day-to-day management of health needs, evaluate you when you are sick, and provide referrals to specialists when needed.

Many health insurances require a primary care referral to see a specialist therefore, having a primary doctor can help improve your access to care. Primary care providers are associated with helping you and your family achieve an improved quality of life and a longer, healthier life while reducing the overall cost of medical care.

The best type of doctor for primary care comes down to the specific needs of the person or their family. For example, if you want one doctor to care for the entire family, then a family medicine doctor may be the best choice as they will care for children and adults. However, if you are an adult wanting a 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 convenience and needs of the family are often the most common determinants of the best type of doctor to see for your primary care needs.

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

• “In-Network” providers. Health insurance plans have specific contracts with providers making it important to check with your plan 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. Ask around. 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 that is close to your home, work, or child’s school can reduce the hassle of attending appointments and make it convenient to quickly obtain a check-up when sick.
• Schedule an appointment. Once you choose a provider, make an appointment. If you are not completely satisfied with the provider or their office, there is no harm in choosing a different physician.

Yes. Complete Health Glenside requires an appointment for patients to be seen. This ensures that every patient’s time is respected and each patient will be attended to in the most efficient manner.

If you are new to the clinic, the best way to schedule an appointment is to call our office at 205-206-8200 and talk to one of our patient care specialists. They will register you in the system and help you schedule an appointment.

If you are already a patient at our clinic, use the patient portal to schedule your next appointment. New to the patient portal, no worries, create a new account and follow the steps to get set up. The patient portal allows access to your care anytime and from anywhere.