If you don’t currently have a primary care provider (PCP) for your ongoing medical care, now is a great time to create that relationship. Creating a continuing, trusting relationship with a primary care healthcare provider has immense value. They know you and your history, which allows them to recognize changes in your health. A PCP cares for you as an entire person (physical, mental and emotional) in addition to overseeing all your routine care.

It is important to form an ongoing relationship with a primary care healthcare provider and maintain routine visits appropriate to your condition and overall health. You can choose a physician or an advanced practice clinician to provide your ongoing healthcare.

Primary Care Provider Benefits

• Routine Care: Provide routine physicals, prescription refills, immunizations
• Common Illnesses: Address colds, flu, ear pain, sore throat, asthma, headaches, fever, rashes, and behavior and school concerns
• Chronic Conditions: Help you navigate chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, high cholesterol
• Minor injuries: Assess sprains, back pain, cuts and burns, broken bones or eye injuries
• Education. Provide information about preventive care and wellness
• Advocate. Refer you to specialists that you might need. 

Choosing a Primary Care Provider

Ask yourself a few questions about your personal preferences:

• Do you want to see a physician or is an advanced practice clinican (APC) the best fit?
• Do you prefer a female or male provider?
• What location will be the easiest for you to be seen at?
• Do you prefer a more formal communication style or a casual one?
• Do you prefer a provider focused on treatment or a preventive approach? 

Types of PCPs

You can choose your provider (either a physician or an advanced practice clinician) and the department you wish to be seen in based on the type of care you and your family need. Get to know to the providers in each department by viewing their biography or educational videos.

• Family Medicine - General medical, psychological and developmental for the entire family.​
• Internal Medicine - Adult medicine with special training on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.​​
• Pediatrics  - Child & Adolescent healthcare from birth through age 18.

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