Can a Family Medicine Doctor be a Primary Care Physician?
According to Merriam-Webster, the word primary can mean:
- “first in order of time or development”
- “of first rank, importance or value”
- “direct, firsthand”
With this definition in mind, the word primary, in relation to medicine, would be your first point of contact for medical issues. A primary care physician can be thought of as the first doctor you visit for comprehensive medical care.
There is not one singular type of primary care physician. Any doctor that you visit on a regular basis can be considered primary such as:
- Family medicine doctors
- Internal medicine specialists
- Pediatricians
- Obstetricians/gynecologists (OB-GYN)
Family medicine doctors have comprehensive training to treat all ages, from infants (pediatrics) to seniors (geriatrics). In fact, some people opt to stay with the same doctor throughout their lives – and have their whole family visit the same doctor. The care provided by a family medicine doctor can include obstetrics and gynecology, treatment for occasional or chronic illnesses, mental health care, basic testing, minor surgical procedures, emergency care and more.
A family physician will also provide guidance on preventative care measures such as recommending vaccinations and health screenings for different stages in your life. Regular check-ups with your family physician will allow your doctor to detect health concerns and monitor conditions so treatment can be administered as quickly as possible when necessary.
The Answer
So, can a family medicine doctor be a primary care physician? The answer is yes!
Choose a Practice with Experience!
If you are searching for an experienced, trustworthy, faith-based family medicine doctor in Spartanburg, SC, Westgate Family Physicians is accepting new patients. A well-respected member of the community since 1977, our practice is committed to building strong doctor/patient relationships and partnering with you to promote good health. From annual visits to illness appointments, our team works hard to diagnose and treat as much as possible right in our office or refer patients to specialists for advanced care.
If you are looking for a family physician in Spartanburg, schedule an appointment with us today so you can meet our team and decide if we are the right fit for you. Please call (864) 574-0070 or click here to make an appointment.