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What is primary care?

Primary care is a term used to categorize several medical practices that provide continuous and comprehensive care to patients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Primary care providers have the clinical experience and training to diagnose, treat, and help prevent various medical issues.

A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor or clinician who offers primary care services. PCPs are usually a patient's first point of contact, meaning you will likely see a PCP before seeing any other doctor in the healthcare system.

Medical services offered by primary care providers include:

• Check-ups & Screenings
  
• Routine Check-ups
  
• Visual examinations
  
• BMI testing
  
• Blood pressure screening
  
• Heartbeat monitoring (EKGs)
  
• Lung tests (spirometry)
  
• Cancer screenings
  
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
  
• Development disorder testing
  
  

Primary care physicians can help treat minor injuries and common illnesses, including:

• Cold, flu, and other acute illnesses
  
• UTIs and other vaginal infections
  
• Rashes, warts, moles, and other skin conditions
  
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE)
  
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
  
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Developmental disorders
  
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
  
  

Primary care physicians are crucial to preventative care, general wellness, and disease prevention for acute and chronic conditions. A primary care physician can offer medical advice, treat chronic conditions and injuries, and offer dietary/ lifestyle adjustments to prevent medical problems and improve your overall health.

Should I see a primary care provider if I am experiencing a medical emergency?

No. Primary care providers do not treat urgent medical emergencies. Most PCP facilities require an appointment to receive care. This means you may not promptly receive adequate care for a pressing concern.

Some signs and symptoms of a medical emergency include:

• Unexplained bleeding
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Large open wounds
  
• Broken bones
  
• Head injuries
  
• Chest pain
  
• Seizures that last over 1 minute
  
  

These reactions require immediate treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If you are experiencing an illness or injury that requires attention but does not constitute an emergency, you should go to an urgent care clinic. Urgent care is the middle ground between primary care and an emergency room.

Urgent care clinics often have walk-in availability, meaning you don’t schedule an appointment in advance. For example, you might go to an urgent care clinic for a mild-to-moderate burn, a sprain, or signs of an infection.

Can my child and I go to the same doctor?

Yes. Family medicine physicians–a type of primary care practicioner–can provide medical services for all family members, regardless of age or gender. A family medicine physician offers preventive care like immunizations, checkups, medical advice, and diagnostic and therapeutic services to treat any conditions anyone in your family is experiencing.

An internal medicine doctor (internist) only provides primary medical care for adults. Internal medicine doctors diagnose and treat various health conditions in adult patients and provide medical advice to improve general wellness. Some internists can provide services to children, but they must have dual training in internal medicine and pediatrics.

Conversely, a pediatrician has advanced training to provide medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. They provide preventive health services such as immunizations and physical exams, diagnose illnesses, manage chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, treat injuries and infections, and offer advice on nutrition and exercise. Pediatricians also monitor their patient's growth and development throughout childhood to ensure they stay healthy into adulthood.

Booking Primary Care in Brooklyn, NY

With a network of licensed health care providers in Brooklyn, you can find convenient and affordable in-person and telehealth (video) primary care services on Sesame.

To book a visit:

• Search “Primary Care” in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Browse the list of available providers near you
  
• Choose between video and in-person services
  
• Pick a time that works best for your schedule
  
• Book your visit!
  
  

We recommend in-person visits for routine check-ups, chronic condition consultations, and lab testing. However, some things can’t be done over video. Instead, video visits address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for specific conditions.

Don’t wait to get the personal care you need. Instead, book a primary care visit with the best doctors in your area and save up to 60% on your appointment.