What is Included in Primary Care?

Taking good care of your body is much easier said than done. You’re going to run into a number of different obstacles and will need to overcome a variety of hurdles when maintaining your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It takes a lot of effort, but it’s 100% necessary.

Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. With the help of a primary care doctor, you don’t have to navigate the health care system all by yourself and will have access to the right guidance, advice, resources, referrals, lifestyle changes, and more. It’s a relationship you’ll benefit from. 

With that said, many people are a little confused over the exact purpose of a primary care practice and what’s included in a primary care setting. Don’t worry, we’re going to clear a lot of that up for you below and will touch base on all the different types of primary care practitioners.

Primary Care Physician vs. Specialized Care



Primary care physicians and medical specialists play an important role in maintaining a patient’s health. They often work in conjunction with one another and work together to support and guide the patient with quality health care services. With their help, your health is in good hands.

The difference between the two is pretty straightforward. As we learned above, a primary care practitioner is the main line of communication and often the patient’s first call. They’re who the patient goes to when they have questions or are worried about a particular health concern. 

Where primary care doctors provide general care, medical specialists provide targeted care geared towards a specific area of the body. For example, a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive organs. They’re usually the patient’s second trip after the primary care physician.

The primary care doctor usually refers the patient to a medical specialist when they feel something needs to be looked at more closely. Since medical specialists have more knowledge and experience with that particular area of the body, they can help detect, diagnose, and treat. 

The 4 Major Types of Primary Care Providers

Primary care and preventive care especially in Las Vegas are necessary to living a healthy, happy, long, and rewarding life. Everyone should have a primary care physician that they’ve built a relationship and trust with their healthcare needs. If you don’t, there’s never been a better time than right now!

While some primary care doctors accept all patients, they usually specialize in one of four areas of primary care -- family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Don’t worry, we’ll break down the differences between each area of primary care. 

Family Medicine

Family medicine doctors are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating patients of any age -- whether it be an infant, child, teenager, young adult, adult, or elder. They’re the perfect choice for anyone that’s looking to have one primary care doctor for the entire family. 

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine doctors are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating adult patients. Also known as internists, these primary care physicians have extensive knowledge of common illnesses, diseases, ailments, and health concerns that arise in early- to late adulthood.

Pediatricians

On the other hand, pediatricians are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating younger patients -- from newborns to young adults. If you’re looking for someone who specializes in children’s health care, a pediatrician should be at the top of your list. 

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

OB-GYN doctors -- short for obstetricians and gynecologists-- are experts in women’s health and more specifically the female reproductive system. Whether you need help with family planning, birth control, pregnancy, or menopause, an OB-GYN doctor is your best option. 

When Should You Visit a Primary Care Clinic?

Now that you understand a little more about what is included in primary care, how it differs from specialized care, and the different types of primary care physicians, let’s briefly touch base on the importance of scheduling a regular visit with your primary care practitioner -- starting today!

Establishing a strong relationship with your primary care doctor is very important to the long-term maintenance of your health. It not only helps you build an up-to-date medical record, but it gives them time to learn more about your lifestyle, habits, choices, and way of living. 

With that said, you should be visiting your primary care physician at least once per year for an annual checkup. You might need to visit more often if you have a chronic condition, are above the age of 60, or were directed to by your primary care doctor -- so book your visit today!



Good Samaritan LV Is Here for You!

Good Samaritan is a Las Vegas-based primary care health clinic located on the corner of S Maryland Parkway and E Desert Inn Road -- right across from Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. We take great pride in serving the Vegas community with quality healthcare services. 

Whether you’re searching for a new primary care physician, just moved here from out of town, or haven’t scheduled a visit with a primary care doctor in a while, Good Samaritan is ready to serve you. Contact us today to learn more about our office or schedule an appointment today!

We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve a healthier, happier, and more rewarding life!

Along with primary care, we offer a vast range of other health services. As an IV therapy clinic in Las Vegas, we offer many "cocktails" that serve different health functions. Whatever your health needs, we'll be there to help find what's best.

Read our article on 10 Reasons to Schedule an Appointment With Your Primary Care Physician