A primary care doctor or Primary Care Physician (PCP) is a doctor who sees you for everyday medical problems, helps prevent or treat illnesses and performs routine exams. Seeing the same doctor for most visits will help you establish a relationship that can improve your care as your primary care healthcare provider will get to know you and your specific health needs, and you will always have somewhere to go when you are sick. But choosing a primary care doctor is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

As there are four main types of primary care doctors, think about which type of doctor is best for your needs. Choosing the right one can depend on your health concerns, gender and age:

Family practice doctors – Also known as a general practitioner, family medicine doctors can provide comprehensive medical care for people of all ages. If you want a healthcare solution for the whole family, this can be a great option. These providers completed their residency in family medicine and can provide everything from physicals to medications.

Internal medicine doctors – These specialized doctors treats only adults. Internal medicine physicians handle a broad range of illnesses and are just as qualified to provide great preventive care. These providers dedicated much of their training to the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of adult diseases.

Pediatricians – If you have a child or family member under the age of 18, your best option is to seek a pediatrician. These doctors specialize in preventive care for kids and childhood illnesses, such as wellness checks and immunizations.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) – As opposed to a family practice physician, some women choose an OB/GYN as a primary care doctor. This is a great option to get all the care they need in one place for many women.

Having a family doctor is important for many reasons. Namely, developing a relationship with a doctor can make you feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to diagnose your conditions. Also, it is helpful to not explain the same symptoms repeatedly to different doctors, as your primary care physician will keep a history of your medical concerns. Knowing who you are going to see when you have a medical concern removes a lot of the stress when getting sick.

You should visit your family doctor any time there is a significant change to your life, like having a child or planning to, or when you develop new symptoms. On top of an annual check-up, visiting your doctor when you have any medical concerns will help you feel at ease knowing you have someone you trust to diagnose your symptoms.

If you or someone you know is looking for a great family doctor, come to Suburban Healthcare today! We will welcome you with open arms and provide you with the best care that you could need. To talk with an expert, contact our office today. Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment at our clinic. We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Woodridge IL, Wolfs IL, Warrenville IL, Crystal Lawns IL, Romeoville IL, Lockport IL, Crest Hill IL, Shorewood IL, Gilletts IL, and Fairmont IL.