How can a MinuteClinic® Provider Work with My PCP (Primary Care Physician)?
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What is a PCP?
PCP is the term people often use to identify primary care physicians. Your PCP is the main doctor responsible for managing most of your health care needs. Primary care physicians are usually doctors of internal medicine (internists) or family practitioners (FPs). Physicians who specialize in caring for children and the elderly can also provide primary care for their patients.
What does a PCP do?
PCPs have the experience and expertise needed to diagnose and treat a wide range of health concerns. Specialists often learn about a single organ, medical condition or age group, but PCPs have a lot of general medical knowledge. They understand the overall functions of your body. Primary care physicians are often responsible for:
- Assessing symptoms and conducting exams
- Helping patients reduce their risk of disease
- Ordering diagnostic tests
- Providing care and management for ongoing health concerns
- Referring patients to specialists for evaluation or treatment
Do I still need a PCP if I go to MinuteClinic?
Yes, you should have a PCP even if you use MinuteClinic to address some of your medical concerns. MinuteClinic offers convenient high-quality care to address many minor health issues. We employ skilled medical professionals to provide our services, but MinuteClinic is not meant to replace the care you receive from your doctor.
How can a MinuteClinic provider work with my PCP?
When you visit MinuteClinic, your health care provider will obtain your medical history and perform an examination. They will also note the nature of your visit, any symptoms you may have, their diagnosis and any medically appropriate treatment they administered. With your permission, your provider can send a summary of your MinuteClinic visit to your PCP. Letting your PCP know of the services or treatment you received from MinuteClinic helps them keep track of your health. Having this information allows your PCP to make informed decisions concerning your care.
What can MinuteClinic providers do?
MinuteClinic providers have the certifications and experience needed to provide effective care for minor health concerns. MinuteClinic providers can help you in many ways, including:
- Diagnosing and treating minor illnesses and injuries
- Administering physical exams
- Performing and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Offering health, lifestyle and nutritional counseling
- Writing prescriptions, if medically appropriate
When would I visit MinuteClinic instead of my PCP?
Delaying medical care when you need it can cause serious health complications. But it can sometimes take days, or even weeks, to secure an appointment with a PCP. When you have a minor medical issue that can't wait, MinuteClinic providers are available to address your concerns 7 days a week. You can walk in at your convenience or schedule your visit in advance. Moreover, we provide all our services to patients with or without insurance.
MinuteClinic may also be a great choice when you have minor health concerns that you'd like to address from the comfort of your home. Our telehealth visits offer greater convenience for patients who may not be able to come into one of our physical locations. Our E-Clinic and Video Visits give patients remote access to MinuteClinic providers in states that allow for telehealth services. These providers also treat a wide range of non-urgent illnesses and injuries.
And if you are currently without a primary care physician, our providers can give you a list of local doctors welcoming new patients.
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References used as sources for this page:
- verywellhealth.com/pcp-what-is-a-primary-care-physician-1738758
- www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/what-does-a-primary-care-physician-do/
- indeed.com/career/primary-care-physician
- blog.kindhealth.co/blog/can-i-list-my-physician-assistant-as-my-primary-care-physician/
- caredash.com/articles/why-see-a-physicians-assistant-instead-of-a-doctor