Primary care refers to a wide range of different providers who provide initial and long-term care for people of all ages. Primary care providers are divided into five categories: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine-pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Each type focuses on a specific area of healthcare and varies by the type of patients they predominantly treat.

Primary care is considered the first-line treatment avenue for all non-emergent medical conditions. These providers maintain a long-term relationship with their patients and help manage many health-related issues throughout their lives.

While internal medicine practitioners are one type of primary care provider, not all primary care providers are trained in internal medicine. Internal medicine physicians are exclusively trained in the prevention and treatment of adult patients. They have extensive knowledge of the medical conditions commonly affecting people over the age of 18.

While internal medicine practitioners are trained to provide generalized care to all adult patients, some will seek additional specialization in geriatrics, sports medicine, and women’s health. This additional training allows them to address specific clinical issues or groups of patients within their practice.

Primary care providers are often the first point of contact to access the entire health system. Having a primary care doctor is important to help you navigate chronic medical conditions, reduce risk factors for diseases, and improve your overall wellness. Primary care practitioners provide day-to-day management of health needs, evaluate you when you are sick, and provide referrals to specialists when needed.

As many health insurance plans require a primary care referral to see a specialist, having a primary doctor can help improve your access to care. They can arrange appropriate screening to catch diseases early and provide tips for achieving a healthier lifestyle. Having a primary care provider has been associated with an improved quality of life and a longer, healthier life while reducing the overall cost of medical care for you and your family.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance and EMS transportation to the nearest hospital.

However, if the care you need is not an emergency, the first step would be to try and reach the after-hours call service, which can provide you with some advice or get you in touch with the on-call provider as needed. The on-call provider can assess the current situation and provide you with the needed guidance until you can be seen in your doctor’s office the next day. They may also encourage you to seek immediate care at the local urgent care or emergency room.

Overall, it is important to know that you will not be alone when the need for care arises, as the healthcare providers at Complete Health are only a phone call away.

Every illness or injury is different, making it important to evaluate each episode to determine the seriousness of the situation. For injuries or illnesses that are life-threatening or could result in significant disability, the emergency room is best equipped to manage these conditions.

Some symptoms or health conditions requiring ER evaluation include:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Head injuries resulting in loss of consciousness
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Severe burns

While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides an idea of the severity of illness or injury that requires ER care.

On the other hand, primary care should be sought for any of these conditions:

• Earache
• Cold and flu symptoms like cough, congestion, or sore throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Minor cuts and burns
• Medication refills

If you are not experiencing an emergency and are unsure whether to seek urgent care, call our office, and we can provide you with the guidance you need.

Yes. Complete Health Sandy Hook 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 (804) 556-3172 and talk to one of our patient care specialists. They will register you in the system and provide your appointment options.

If you are already a patient at our clinic, use your patient portal to schedule your next appointment. If you are new to 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.