Different types of primary care doctors include internists, family physicians, geriatricians, obstetricians, and pediatricians. There are several important reasons why it is necessary to find a primary care physician for your health. Primary care doctors are trained to provide a wide variety of care and diagnosis.
Dr. Guy is a trusted primary care doctor in Sonoma. His team of professionals is here to provide patients with ongoing care throughout their lives. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (707) 938-1255.
What Happens During a Consultation with a Primary Care Doctor?
During a routine checkup, your primary care physician (PCP) performs a thorough physical examination. They take your vital signs and look for signs of underlying health issues. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history, personality, lifestyle, and family health history.
They analyze your answers to assess your health status and determine if you are at risk of a particular medical condition.
What Does a PCP Do?
Primary care providers:
➢ Help their patients make positive changes to their life. They can, for instance, guide efforts to quit smoking, help their patients identify foods to add to their diet, and suggest ways to make healthy eating fun.
➢ Make sure their patients are up to date with their vaccinations.
➢ Help their patients manage long-term health problems such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure.
➢ Monitor their patients’ health and order screening tests for patients who are suspected of having an underlying health condition.
➢ Treat common health problems such as the common cold and seasonal allergies.
➢ Refer their patients who need specialized care to a specialist.
Reasons to Have a Primary Care Doctor
Your PCP can diagnose health problems early and start treatment promptly. Timely intervention improves health outcomes and can also help reduce healthcare costs. A PCP can help you chalk out a plan to prevent health problems. In addition to monitoring their patients’ physical health, PCPs monitor their mental health by screening them for depression regularly.
How to Find a PCP?
➢ Ask the people you trust, such as your friends, neighbors, family members, or colleagues, to recommend a PCP.
➢ Ask your insurer to suggest a doctor who accepts your insurance.
➢ Request other healthcare professionals, such as your dentist, doctor, or nurse you know, to suggest a PCP.
➢ Use local search tools to find a physician.
➢ Search online directories maintained by regional and national healthcare providers.
Questions to Ask a PCP
Ask the PCP you are considering these questions to determine if they’re the right fit for you:
➢ Are you board-certified?
➢ Who would I talk to when you are on leave?
➢ How do you decide when to refer a patient to a specialist?
➢ What is your approach to treatment – conservative vs. aggressive?
Dr. Guy is a respected and trusted primary care doctor in Sonoma. Equipped with specialized knowledge and skills, he can tailor healthcare plans to his patients’ needs. To talk to him, call (707) 938-1255.
