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When it comes to navigating the health care system, it can be confusing and overwhelming with the various types of doctors.

While there are many types of specialists, like a cardiologist or oncologist, that provide care for specific cases and instances, the one type of doctor everyone should have is a primary care doctor.

Primary care doctors serve as your first point of contact for your general health needs and concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• A primary care provider, or PCP, is a doctor who handles your routine health care. They can monitor different aspects of your health and refer you to specialists for more specific problems.
• There are a variety of ways to find a primary care doctor for you. You can start by talking to family and friends, using an online search tool and checking online reviews.
• After finding a doctor you’d like to try, consider things like wait time, office environment, and the provider’s communication to decide whether they’re a good fit for you.

Although some people use urgent care or the emergency room for their primary care needs, that doesn't allow you to build a trusted, long-term relationship with one provider, says internal medicine physician Dr. James Wantuck, chief medical officer and cofounder of the telehealth platform PlushCare.

By building a relationship over time, the provider becomes a detective to find out what's wrong when something isn't right with your health. They can monitor changes or trends in your health over time to diagnose, treat and prevent any new health problems that may arise.

General and preventive care and services primary care providers offer include:

If you have a complex or specific medical condition that requires particular expertise, your primary care physician can refer you to see a medical specialist.

READ:

There are several types of doctors who work as primary care physicians. Here's a breakdown of the types of doctors who are PCPs.

A family medicine physician cares for the whole person through all stages of life, from infant to older age. They will focus on seeing you as a whole person rather than just one specific health problem, says Dr. Ada Stewart, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.

A family medicine doctor will earn their four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree and then take part in a three-year residency program.

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