What is a Primary Care Physician?
Answer:
If you have a managed care health plan such as an HMO,


you will need to select a primary care physician. The healthcare plan will have a database of participating doctors and facilities. You will choose a doctor who will be your first point of contact for your medical care.

Primary care physicians manage the care of patients from minor injuries and illnesses to long term chronic illnesses. They emphasize prevention through regular screenings and patient education. In addition, they refer patients to specialists and coordinate their care throughout the medical system.

In general, primary care physicians are family practitioners, general practitioners, pediatricians, or internists. Some HMOs allow women to select a gynecologist as their primary care physician.

Once you’ve selected a primary care physician, this doctor is your first contact for all medical treatment except in the case of an emergency. You’ll receive care for your medical conditions from this doctor. If you need to see a specialist, you will first meet with your primary doctor who will then refer you to an appropriate specialist.
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