Choosing a Primary Health Care Provider:
Who are Primary Health Care Providers/Why You Need One
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Why do I need a primary health care provider?
You need a primary health care provider so that your health can be checked regularly to catch any problem early so that it does not become worse. Your primary care provider can help you make smart choices to stay healthy. Your provider can talk with you about your health risks, such as smoking, alcohol, sex, seat belts, and nutrition and give you advice about treatments. If you have a serious or unusual medical problem, your provider can refer you to a specialist, someone who knows much more about that kind of problem.
Who are primary health care providers?
Primary health care providers can be physicians, nurse-practitioners, or physician's assistants. Nurse-practitioners and physician's assistants are trained to perform many parts of primary care.
Nurse-practitioners have to work with a physician in some states, and can work alone in others. They perform regular check-ups and help with your problems.
Physician's assistants must work with a physician, and often they are good primary care providers. Almost all physicians' assistants are trained by physicians and they have special licenses. There may be more time for counseling and questions.
Both nurse-practitioners and physician's assistants have some limits as to what they are allowed to do. Call the provider's office, and ask what the provider cannot do that a physician can do. See if the differences are important to you.
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Updated 6/11/2001
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