What Type of Primary Care Doctor is Right for You?
Having a doctor who knows you and your unique needs is a big plus when it comes to managing your health. From birth to adulthood, people of all ages should have a doctor. Bronson has a variety of doctors to choose from. We can help choose which type of doctor is right for you and your family.
Types of Primary Care Doctors
First things first: There are several types of primary care doctors. They have many titles and credentials — including medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They are called primary care doctors, primary care providers, advanced practice providers, PCPs, docs, APPs, NPs, and PAs. But most people just say doctor.
Primary care doctors provide preventive care, annual physicals and overall health exams as well as treat common medical conditions. And, if you have a health condition that requires specialized care, your primary care provider will also connect you to a specialist and help coordinate next steps and follow-up care.
There are three types of primary care doctors — pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. Some obstetrics and gynecology providers also serve in a primary care doctor role.
- Internal medicine doctors treat adults 18 years and older. Internal medicine providers are often preferred by adults who need help managing one or more chronic or complex conditions.
- Family medicine doctors are trained in pediatric care and adult medicine. They treat individuals and entire families, from newborns to the elderly, and know how relationships between family members impact their health.
- Pediatric specialists address the healthcare needs of children, newborns to 18 years of age. They provide preventive care for healthy children and treat children who are injured or ill. They specialize in childhood diseases, growth and emotional health.
Medical Training
Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs):
- Physicians who are licensed to practice medicine complete four years of medical school and a three or more year residency in their specialty followed by examinations for licensure and board certification. Additionally, osteopathic doctors are trained and licensed to practice osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Advanced practice providers:
- Advanced practice provider is a term used to describe a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is trained to care for patients under the supervision of a physician. They are licensed to provide care, order diagnostic tests and prescribe many medications.
- Nurse practitioners complete a registered nursing degree program as part of a bachelor's degree. In addition, each has a master's degree from an accredited nurse practitioner program.
- Physician assistants complete a bachelor's degree and a master's level degree in a physician's assistant program.
Are You a New Patient Looking for a Bronson Doctor?
If you are looking for a primary care doctor, we can help you choose the right one for you or your family based on insurance, location, medical needs and personal preferences. Appointments are available online or in person. There are two ways to choose a primary care provider and schedule your first appointment:
1. Schedule online: click the button below to view every primary care provider who is open to new patients and offers online scheduling.
Find A Doctor
2. Schedule by phone: Call (269) 341-7788 and talk with a Bronson Care Advisor, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Or email us 24/7 at careadvisor@bronsonhg.org. If you call after hours, you can leave a message and we’ll call you back the next business day.
Dial (269) 341-7788
Need Care Now?
We're here to help. When you’re sick or injured, you want to feel better as soon as possible. The first step is to contact your primary care doctor. If your doctor isn’t available, BronsonConnect can help you get care quickly and conveniently. Just check out our Need Care Now page to match up your condition with the care option that best suits your needs.
If you have chest pain or symptoms of a serious injury or illness, call 911 or go directly to the emergency department.
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