Frequently Asked Questions About Primary Care
At TPMG Primary Care, we get to know you and your medical history over time, developing a long-term, trusted relationship and providing whole-person, comprehensive care for all stages of your life.
To help patients understand the importance of primary care and how it helps manage your overall health and well-being, we asked our board-certified primary care providers to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this essential health service.
What is primary care?
Primary care is the day-to-day, first-contact health service that concentrates on preventative care, wellness screenings, and the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute conditions, as well as continuity of care.
What are the different types of primary care?
Primary care is categorized into medical specialties based on patient age and needs. It includes family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
- Family Medicine – Treats patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors
- Internal Medicine – Focuses on adult health, chronic illness and complex diseases
- Pediatric Medicine – Cares for infants, children and teens
- Geriatric Medicine – Specializes in health care for older adults
- Obstetrics & Gynecology – Concentrates on women’s reproductive health and wellness
Why do I need a primary care provider?
Having a primary care provider is essential to your health. Primary care providers will guide you in making the best, informed healthcare decisions. They learn everything about you, your history and your family medical history, and provide holistic guidance to support your mental health, lifestyle goals and general well-being.
What does a primary care provider do?
Primary care providers (PCPs) serve as your first and main point of contact for everyday healthcare needs. They offer preventative care and routine wellness exams, provide vaccinations, treat common illnesses, manage long-term conditions, and coordinate specialized medical care.
- Preventative Care – Providing routine checkups, immunizations, health screenings and lifestyle counseling
- Acute & Sick Care – Diagnosing and treating infections and minor injuries and prescribing medications for short-term illness
- Chronic Disease Management – Monitoring and treating long-term conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and diabetes
- Care Coordination – Connecting you with medical specialists and maintaining a complete record of your health across different visits and tests
What conditions do primary care providers treat?
PCPs treat many common illnesses and injuries, including coughs and colds, the flu, sinus infections, sprains, cuts and rashes. They can also help you manage chronic diseases and conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, asthma and arthritis. Mental health concerns, such as mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression, can also be addressed by your primary care provider.
How often should I see my primary care provider?
Even if you consider yourself to be in good health, you should see your PCP once a year for a routine wellness check. In fact, many health insurance plans classify an annual physical as preventive care, and some plans cover preventive care services at no cost.
For patients over the age of 65, twice annual visits are often recommended, and if you have chronic health conditions, you may need to see your PCP every 3 to 6 months. Schedule follow-ups sooner when starting or changing medications, and make an appointment right away if you notice sudden pain, weight changes or breathing trouble.
How do I choose a primary care provider?
Your primary care physician should be someone you trust – someone who listens to you and makes you feel comfortable when talking about your health issues. You’ll also want to consider things like the type of care you’ll need, the practice’s proximity to your home or workplace, how easy it is to get an appointment, and, if you have health insurance, whether they are an in-network provider. For additional help, check out Five Tips for Choosing a Primary Care Provider.
Find Trusted Primary Care Providers in Hampton Roads, VA
At TPMG, we understand that quality care requires consideration of a person’s life as a whole, rather than just their medical history. We are committed to building strong relationships with our patients, and providing comprehensive, on-going care.
We have more than 90 primary care providers in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, Hampton, Gloucester, Yorktown, Suffolk, White Marsh and West Point, VA. To find a primary care provider near you, use our Find a Provider tool to filter by city and specialty.
The information shared is not intended to be medical advice nor is it meant to replace a professional consultation with a healthcare provider. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of TPMG or its providers and physicians.