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Primary Care 101

Primary care is the cornerstone of healthcare. The term “primary care” describes an entire sector of medicine that acts as the initial point of contact between patients and the healthcare system. You usually see a primary care provider for medical issues before visiting any other health care provider. Primary care provides diagnostic, preventative, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and palliative care for patients of all ages.

Primary care is sometimes used interchangeably with “internal medicine” or “family medicine,” even though these terms mean slightly different things:

Family medicine: Family medicine refers to healthcare provided for the whole family. A family medicine doctor is a primary care provider who mainly offers preventive care like immunizations, checkups, and medical advice. Doctors trained in family practice can treat patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, so they often act as the healthcare provider for whole families.

Internal medicine: 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. In addition, internal medicine doctors will offer referrals to specialists if a patient is dealing with a specific condition.

PCPs offer many medical services to treat various conditions and concerns.

Some services provided by a PCP include:

• Acute illness (e.g., bacterial infection) treatment
  
• Chronic condition management such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
  
• Regular preventative care screenings and physical exams
  
• Minor injury treatment such as stitching a wound or setting a broken bone
  
• Treatment of common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, and ear infections
  
• Diagnosis and treatment for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or rashes
  
• Immunizations
  
  

Some specific conditions that a PCP can treat include:

• 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
  
  

Routine Check-ups

Most people see a primary care provider at least once a year for their routine physical exam, sometimes called an annual physical or routine check-up. These visits are crucial to detecting medical issues before they occur and offering a checkpoint for your general wellness.

Some standard tests performed by doctors during a routine physical include:

Vital sign checks: Doctors will often check blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate to check for general wellness and any symptoms of heart disease or high blood pressure. Doctors will also use a stethoscope to check for abnormalities in breath, heart murmurs, or irregular heartbeats, as these can be signs of health problems.

Visual exam: Doctors will check your height and weight to calculate your body mass index, a key part of diagnosing obesity. They will also look for any problems with your skin and unusual marks or growths on your body.

Percussion tests: Doctors will gently tap and press various body parts (like the abdomen) to check for unusual lumps, irregular fluid buildup, and organ location.

Blood tests: Doctors may draw blood during an annual physical exam to check cholesterol levels and your blood count. If you may be at risk for diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be tested as well. These tests help doctors monitor your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Urinalysis: Doctors may request a urine sample to test for kidney and liver disease or diabetes.

Cancer screening tests: These are often done by touch to look for abnormal lumps or growths in the body. Doctors will check the lymph nodes, thyroid, and skin for signs of cancer. Men often have their testicles and prostate checked to screen for cancer or other irregularities. Women may have a breast exam performed to screen for breast cancer.

Booking a Primary Care Appointment in Plano, Texas

Sesame offers convenient and affordable in-person and video primary care appointments in Plano, Texas.

Here’s how you 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!
  
  

Book a primary care visit with the best doctors in your area and save up to 60% on your appointment.