What is primary care?
Primary care is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing both acute and chronic health problems. Additionally, primary care physicians offer counseling, monitor your health against your lifestyle goals over time, and help you age more gracefully.
What are the types of primary care?
The experienced physicians at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. offer several types of primary care, including:
Family medicine
Family medicine cares for every member of your family, from infants to senior citizens. This allows you and your loved ones to receive necessary medical care, without having to visit several practices. Family medicine services include sick visits, laboratory tests, vaccines, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.
Internal medicine
Internal medicine provides primary care for adults. This includes men’s health services as well as treatment of hypertension, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and high cholesterol. If necessary, you can also receive steroid injections for joints or soft tissue, B12 injections, and vaccines.
Pediatrics
Pediatrics is a branch of primary care that treats infants, children, and teenagers. Kids experience many of the same health problems as adults, but symptoms and severity vary. Pediatric care includes sports physicals, immunizations, treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), annual check-ups, and more.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
Obstetrics and gynecology is a type of primary care that focuses on family planning and women’s reproductive health. Services an OB/GYN can provide include fertility and obstetrics care, STD testing, diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTI), and treatment for menopause, endometriosis, and other conditions relating to a woman’s sexual health.
How often should I visit my primary care provider?
The physicians at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. recommend you visit your primary care doctor at least once a year. Not only do regular check-ups alert you to potentially serious health problems, but they also allow you to build a relationship with your provider.
Primary care appointments also present an opportunity to ask questions, discuss unusual symptoms, refill prescription medications, and undergo preventive screenings like prostate exams and Pap smears.
What if I need to see a specialist?
The physicians at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. have the training and expertise to treat most health problems. However, if you develop a disease like cancer, or you need to undergo a surgical operation, they can refer you to medical specialists in the area. Afterward, they can coordinate treatment, ensuring you receive the highest quality of care.
If you’ve been putting off primary care, schedule an appointment at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. today. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online.
