What is a Primary Care Physician?
Primary care physicians, also known as internal medicine doctors or general internists, are medical professionals that specialize in internal medicine and Immunization. This health care discipline aims to deliver care for adults by employing the most reliable medical techniques and technologies available.
At the same time, general internists take care of patients in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. Internists listen to their patients’ stories, serving as the first point of contact before they are referred to any specialists.
Moreover, general internists can deliver care in a variety of settings because they can handle a wide spectrum of diseases that affect multiple parts of the body. This allows them to diagnose and provide treatment in cases where there is more than one disease striking simultaneously.
Living with a chronic condition may be challenging, but with the right help, you or your loved ones can live a loving and full life. Our team of medical professionals at Community Health Center of Snohomish County is here to help you manage your long-term condition and ensure the highest possible quality of life.
Get in touch with us, by coming down to one of our offices or schedule an appointment by giving us a call today!
CHC clinics where this service is offered
Specialized Care for Adults of All Ages
General internists are trained to take care of adults, even after they enter the later stages of life. Internal medicine doctors can treat acute and chronic conditions, so they tend to build long-lasting relationships with many of their patients.
Because they are not limited to one part of the body or type of illness, internists are equipped to handle any problem that a patient may bring. Our primary care physicians have all the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to prevent or treat a vast list of ailments. Some of the medical services our internists provide include:
Preventive Care, Health Screening, and Physical Exams
Regardless of whether these arise due to genetic or environmental factors, internal medicine doctors may identify these illnesses before they fully develop. Moreover, internists can provide the treatment necessary to prevent the symptoms from progressing or even surfacing.
Health screenings and subsequent physical exams give our internal medicine doctors the information they need to come up with a diagnosis. Then, they develop a plan to treat or manage the condition, depending on the solutions available.
Routine Medical Problems
As we mentioned before, general internists are qualified to treat a huge number of different conditions. Even though they do refer patients to specialists whenever necessary, internists can take care of most routine medical problems and symptoms.
These symptoms and conditions can include anything from a common cold to lacerations, hernias, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, traumas, and blood pressure problems, just to name a few. Primary care physicians can order tests, examine parts of your body, and refer you to an expert whenever you need specialized attention.
Geriatric Care
In simple terms, geriatric care is a medical sub-specialty that focuses on care for elderly people. As we age, our bodies gradually change, which means that we have different requirements throughout our lives. Geriatric medicine focuses on promoting good health for the elderly population by preventing whenever possible and treating conditions that affect this demographic.
Our team of qualified physicians aims to deliver high-quality medical support to the elderly through tailored medical attention. We understand the aging process and the different needs we have at different stages. Our passionate internists are also extremely polite and friendly, with the aim of creating a comfortable experience for our elderly patients.
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment
The heart is our body’s engine and it’s in charge of powering the blood cycle that feeds our entire body. Unfortunately, the heart gets weaker as we age, to the point where it may not be strong enough to pump the blood we need for our organs to operate properly.
When the heart gets too weak to pump enough blood through your system, your kidneys start absorbing water and salt. Fluid and salt that builds up in the limbs and other parts saturate the body, resulting in congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure requires immediate medical attention. At Community Health Center of Snohomish County, we provide comprehensive congestive heart failure treatment and care. We deliver this through a combination of medication, monitoring devices, lifestyle changes, and other techniques to promote a healthy heart.
Diabetes and Endocrine Care
According to some estimates, there are more than 30 million Americans that are diagnosed with diabetes and that number is increasing. Diabetes is an extremely dangerous condition because it can affect virtually all parts of your body.
Diabetes comes as a result of a hormonal imbalance, where the body has difficulties producing or reacting to a hormone called insulin. This, in turn, puts a huge amount of stress on the endocrine system. General internists can help identify these issues and provide viable solutions to help treat your short and long-term diabetic challenges.
Hypertension Disease Management
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, will help if you are suffering from hypertension.
Ongoing medical attention and frequent testing are required to make sure you operate in a stress-free environment. What’s more, a primary care practitioner can also prescribe medication and come up with other solutions to manage your hypertension.
Chronic Health Problems Management and Support
Chronic health problems don’t only pose recurring symptoms and extensive medical care. These conditions also put a huge amount of pressure on you and your family, sometimes requiring specialized living arrangements and care around the clock.
We provide comprehensive care and support if you suffer from chronic pain. Our team of seasoned medical professionals can also help develop solutions that give you more options while reducing the amount of stress your family undergoes, whenever the possibility arises.