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A primary care physician has the principal responsibility of receiving patients into a facility when health issues or symptoms are causing concern. In this way, this professional has an important role of helping people with health maintenance, education, diagnosis, and treatment. Depending on someone's needs, the PCP may make referrals to other professionals for expanded or continuing care. Disease Prevention Many people in the population have higher risks for specific diseases based on issues such as genetics, age, environmental exposure, and lifestyle. A primary care physician can have an important role in disease prevention because of the early and ongoing contact between this doctor and the patients. By flagging specific patients as potentially at risk for illnesses, the professional can provide advice, screening, counseling, and early treatment options. It's also possible to refer patients to other practitioners for specialized services, including preventative treatment. Health Maintenance PCPs often see patients in a clinic setting, usually located within communities. These types of appointments may involve annual physicals, women's health care, and sports physicals. Additional maintenance services include treatment for acute illnesses such as sinus infections, stomach flu, colds, rashes, and injuries such as sprains and fractures. Even chronic problems such as asthma, allergies, and depression fit into a PCP's scope of assistance. Diagnosing Symptoms and Illness When someone experiences pain, discomfort, or another type of unpleasant symptom, the primary care physician is typically the first stop in the pursuit of diagnosing a potential problem. The doctor often has a working relationship with the patient, enabling exploration of medical records to find clues about symptoms. Often, the relationship between physician and patient is strong enough that the patient feels trust in the professional, which can be conducive for receiving guidance, making decisions, and moving forward with treatments. Lifestyle Counseling People may benefit from speaking with a doctor about personal decisions such as diet and exercise. A PCP may be able to offer advice about positive lifestyle choices such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise. If someone needs to make lifestyle changes for better health, the PCP can offer a referral to other specialists, such as dietitians and sports therapists, for continuing assistance. Illness Counseling People often require advice and counseling as they assess their symptoms and make plans for treatment. A primary care physician is in an excellent position to counsel patients, guiding them toward prudent health decisions to manage diseases and illness. Collaborative Care When a patient receives a referral to other specialists, the PCP can maintain involvement to ensure that the person receives complete assistance that covers the entire scope of health. This collaboration can provide patients with confidence that they are receiving services that cover a broad spectrum to manage every possible issue. When you find a primary care physician that you can trust and with whom you connect, you can feel confident about the assistance you will be receiving. You and the doctor can move forward as partners, managing your well-being and making decisions about your overall health. When looking for a primary care physician, Plymouth, MA residents turn to http://southshorenephrology.com.
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