What is primary care?
Primary care is a wide, general branch of medicine offering many preventive services, as well as simple procedures and treatments. By finding a primary care provider you trust, you can open a reliable line of communication between yourself and professionals in the medical field.
Even though primary care focuses on general treatments and services, your primary care provider can refer you to other specialists if you need specialty care.
What are some available primary care services?
West Plano Medical Associates offers a diverse list of primary care services, including many preventive care services, from a compassionate all-female staff. You can book an appointment for:
Wellness checks
A wellness check, or complete physical exam, should be a part of your preventive care routine if it isn’t already. Your provider performs an examination once a year, or as needed, to evaluate your overall health and functioning.
During this exam, you might also need blood work for further testing. These visits can help diagnose or prevent high cholesterol, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Sick visits
Sick visits address acute symptoms, illnesses, and injuries. Your provider makes a diagnosis and gives you treatment recommendations.
COVID-19 testing
West Plano Medical Associates offers COVID-19 testing for patients who have symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or who have been exposed to others with the disease. You can also get antibody testing to determine your immunity.
Allergy testing and care
If you have allergic symptoms but don’t know the cause, West Plano Medical Associates offers allergy testing to identify the allergen. They also offer immunotherapy with allergy shots to treat your allergy.
Cosmetic treatments
Cosmetic treatments don’t necessarily improve your physical health, but they might improve your self-esteem and outlook. West Plano Medical Associates offers cosmetic services like Botox®, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser hair removal.
Ancillary services
Ancillary services include all services unrelated to acute care. This includes disease monitoring and management for long-term (chronic) conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, hypertension, and depression.
Sexual and reproductive health services
West Plano Medical Associates offers testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. They also provide well-woman visits for sexual and reproductive health.
Pre-op clearance
Tests like blood work, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, and imaging tests can help your provider decide whether it’s safe for you to undergo an upcoming surgery.
How often should I visit my primary care provider?
Even if you aren’t sick with an acute or chronic illness, you should make it a priority to visit your primary care provider at West Plano Medical Associates at least once a year. They perform a physical examination and ask about any relevant updates regarding your health and wellness.
Your primary care provider can answer your questions and recommend healthy lifestyle changes for you to adopt. These visits can reduce your risk for future health conditions and may include screening tests, immunizations, and other forms of preventive care.
To schedule your next primary care visit, call West Plano Medical Associates or book online today.
