Primary Care Service Q & A
Primary care provides an array of important medical services, including physical exams, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and prescription refills. At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, the dedicated team of primary care and sports medicine providers provides a full suite of primary care offerings to adults and teens. Call the office to request a primary care appointment or request an appointment online today.
What is primary care?
Primary care is a medical specialty that provides both general and preventive services. Primary care physicians like those at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, offer medical counseling, and monitor your health over time.
It’s important to participate in primary care even if you feel healthy. Many chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease, present few symptoms. Regular checkups can alert you early on and help guide treatment.
What does primary care include?
At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., their skilled team offers a variety of primary care services, including:
Physical exams
A physical exam checks your overall health. During a physical, your provider takes your temperature and weighs you; observes your ears, eyes, nose, and throat; tests your reflexes; palpates your organs; and asks about your lifestyle. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, a physical presents an opportunity to discuss those as well.
Laboratory testing
Laboratory testing analyzes various substances like blood, urine, or saliva to pinpoint potentially serious health problems. Some of the most common types of laboratory testing include complete blood count (CBC), glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, urinalysis, and lipid panels.
Preventive screenings
Preventive screenings detect serious health problems before they present obvious symptoms. The type of preventive screening you’ll most benefit from depends on your age and health history. Common types of preventive screening include colonoscopies, prostate exams, Pap smears, and mammograms.
Treatment of chronic illnesses
Chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis require custom treatment plans. These plans can minimize uncomfortable symptoms, prevent the disease from getting worse, and help you maintain a better quality of life. The Princeton Sports and Family Medicine team specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic illnesses.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations expose your body to harmless versions of viruses, bacteria, or fungi. They train your immune system to identify deadly invaders and help you build a defense by creating antibodies.
Prescription medication and refills
Prescription medication refers to drugs that require a doctor’s recommendation. There are many types of prescriptions. Some address common health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, while others encourage proper thyroid function or relieve the symptoms of mental illness like anxiety and depression.
If you run out of a prescription, your physician can provide refills.
How frequently should I make a primary care appointment?
The team at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. recommends scheduling a primary care appointment at least once a year. If you’re living with a chronic illness like diabetes or high blood pressure, more frequent checkups may be necessary.
Request your primary care consultation at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. Call the office or request one online today.