Primary care refers to the branch of healthcare that provides first-contact, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care for individuals across all stages of life. The core specialties recognized as primary care include:
1. Family Medicine
Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. They manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, offer preventive care, and serve as a long-term health partner for individuals and families.
2. Internal Medicine
Also known as internists, these physicians focus on adult patients. They specialize in preventive care, diagnosing complex conditions, and managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
3. Pediatrics
Pediatricians are primary care doctors for children and adolescents. They provide immunizations, monitor development, and treat common childhood illnesses and behavioral concerns.
4. Geriatrics
Geriatricians specialize in the care of older adults, often dealing with age-related conditions, medication management, and coordination of long-term care.
5. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
While OB/GYNs are often considered specialists, they are frequently the primary care providers for many women, especially for reproductive health, prenatal care, and routine screenings like Pap smears and mammograms.
Why Primary Care Matters
Primary care doctors are essential because they:
- Offer preventive care and routine checkups
- Detect and manage chronic diseases early
- Coordinate with specialists when needed
- Build long-term patient-provider relationships
summary:
Primary care specialties include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. These doctors provide first-contact care, manage chronic conditions, offer preventive services, and coordinate with specialists. Family medicine treats all ages, internal medicine focuses on adults, pediatrics on children, geriatrics on seniors, and OB/GYN on women’s health.