Primary care

Primary care physicians can perform the following procedures:

• blood draws for routine health tests, like cholesterol or blood sugar levels
• diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections
• diagnostic throat and nose swabs
• diagnostic urine tests
• physical examinations
• Pap smears
• audiometry exam  (hearing test)

This is not an exhaustive list. Reach out to your PCP to find out what they can do or what might need a referral to a specialist.

Primary care physicians can treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Some conditions your PCP may be able to treat are:

• cold and flu
• strep throat
• urinary tract infection
• conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• ear infection
• high blood pressure
• diabetes

PCPs are also great resources for all of your health concerns. Even if you see your PCP for a condition that they don't directly treat, they can help refer you to a specialist.

The following are specific types of primary care physicians:

• Family practitioners can treat everyone in your family, regardless of age.
• Internists only treat adults.
• Geriatricians specialize in treating older adults.
• Pediatricians specialize in treating babies and children under the age of 18.

You can also receive primary care from a physician's assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP).

Top questions to ask a primary care physician during your next appointment include:

• Do you have a specialty or area of interest?
• Are there vitamins or supplements you recommend?
• Do you recommend seeing a specialist? Can you refer me to one?
• What are common health concerns for people my age? What can I do to reduce my risk?
• Can I manage this condition with diet and lifestyle changes?
• Is this test necessary? Are there other tests you recommend?
• Do you have recommendations for managing my weight?
• How much sleep should I get at night? What can I do to improve my sleep?