There are several types of primary care doctors available, like primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology.

The differences they offer have some similarities, and some differences, as it depends on which primary care doctor you are in need for.

Primary care doctor is a physician you can rely on to help manage a wide variety of health care needs, both routine and unexpected. These doctors are able to help with preventative care, routine physicals, screenings and immunizations. Primary care doctors also diagnose, treat and help manage many common chronic conditions like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Some common services primary care doctors include:

• Regular physical exams
• Prescribing medications such as antibiotics to help treat illnesses or birth control
• Treating minor illnesses and injuries like the seasonal flu, skin conditions, sinus infections or sleep issues
• Managing chronic conditions
• Screening for many common health problems

Internal Medicine doctors are also called internists and they are trained to treat both simple and complex conditions from as early as young adults to old age. They help to balance an adult’s regular preventative care with specialized care needs.

Pediatricians are specialty doctors that care for children, from birth up to early adulthood. They are specialized to treat minor illnesses and injuries and up to complex conditions. They overlap with family doctors, as family doctors also treat children from birth to young adults. The main difference is pediatricians only focus on children’s health.

Family care medicine offers unique care as they focus on the entire family. They see everyone from babies, children, parents to seniors. No matter who is sick in the family, you can trust one person to call for your medical needs other than emergencies.

OBGYN’s are specialized doctors in women’s health, specifically female reproductive health. OBGYN’s provide routine women’s health services including screenings like pap smears, pelvic exams and STI testing. OBGYN’s also provide medical care for everything from family planning to helping you choose the best birth control options for you and your health. They also care for you during big changes in your life like pregnancy and menopause.

Primary care physicians are an important part of your daily health, as they are available to help you stay healthy throughout your life. Primary care doctors are often one of the first people you contact if you are your family members are in need of healthcare and important to help you live a healthier life.

They provide medical care including:

• Preventative care
• Treatment of many common illnesses
• Early detection of illnesses or any conditions
• Management of chronic conditions
• Referral to medical specialists

Routine visits are important to your primary care health, as they help with not only your health, but build a health history for you. They will have extensive knowledge of your health history, as well as your family’s health history which is imperative in helping you with any prevention of diseases and helps you to catch early symptoms of serious conditions you may be dealing with.

A simple google search can easily show you the numerous amounts primary care doctors in your area that are close by, many of which may be accepting new patients. The best way to confirm they are accepting new patients, is to call the clinic directly and ask if any primary care doctor is accepting new patients at their clinic.

You are in luck, as Suburban Healthcare Associates primary care doctors are accepting new patients at their three clinics in Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, and Joliet IL. We are open by appointment only. We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Romeoville IL, Shorewood IL, Crest Hill IL, and Aurora IL.