Internists, pediatricians, and family medicine doctors are examples of primary care physicians (PCPs). When we get sick, a PCP is the first doctor we consider seeing – and for good reason. PCPs treat a plethora of injuries and illnesses.
In this blog, you’ll learn about what types of conditions a PCP can treat.
Acute Illnesses
Primary care physicians (PCPs) can help with most minor and acute ailments. Here are some common examples:
Routine Illnesses
Here are some common issues your PCP can treat:
- Cough and colds
- Chickenpox
- Sinus infection
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- Ear infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Insect bites
- Sore throat
- Bronchitis
- Sunburns
- Upper Respiratory Infections
If you have symptoms of one of these conditions, a primary care doctor can diagnose you and create a treatment plan. They can prescribe medications and recommend at-home tips you can use to help in recovery.
Injuries
It’s easy to get minor injuries, especially if you live an active lifestyle. Here are some minor injuries that PCPs routinely treat:
- Cuts, scraps, and scratches
- Sprains and strains
- Pulled muscles
- Whiplash
- Minor burns
Skin Conditions
Primary care physicians can also treat mild rashes and dermatitis. While there are home remedies for sunburn, some instances require professional help. If your sunburn persists despite home remedies, seek your PCP for medical treatment.
Chronic Illnesses
Many of us live with long-term illnesses that either take a long time to treat or are incurable. Primary care physicians treat and manage a plethora of chronic illnesses. If deemed necessary, your primary care provider might suggest enrolling in our Chronic Care Management program.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
It’s pretty common to visit a PCP for stomach issues. If you have uncomfortable symptoms for longer than a few days, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Here are some types of gastrointestinal conditions your PCP can treat:
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gallstones
- Gastritis
- Hiatal hernia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcers
Respiratory Conditions
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are pretty common among patients. Fortunately, PCPs can help treat and manage these conditions. PCPs can also work with specialists to ensure you get the best care possible. In most cases, PCPs will refer you to a specialist when necessary and then collaborate with the specialist to manage your treatment plan.
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
Endocrine Conditions
If you have an endocrine-related issue, you will likely need help managing the condition for the rest of your life. Fortunately, a primary care physician can diagnose and treat your endocrine issue. Examples of these conditions include:
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
Cardiac Diseases
Primary care doctors and nurses can also help patients with cardiovascular diseases. They can conduct routine check-ups and make sure you’re following your treatment plan correctly.
Examples include:
- Arterial diseases (carotid artery, aortic aneurysms, coronary artery disease)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- High cholesterol
PCPs in Sarasota and Manatee County
Just as their name suggests, primary care physicians are the first responders when your healthcare needs help. They can help control various symptoms and treat almost all non-emergency types of ailments, from minor conditions to chronic illnesses. If you have any of the conditions we described above, you’ll greatly benefit from seeing a primary care physician. Instead of rushing to urgent care or ER, you can visit a PCP clinic for immediate treatment.
Here at Intercoastal Medical Group, we have more than forty experienced PCPs to treat you. We also have state-of-the-art equipment to conduct MRI, mammography, and other imaging tests to diagnose diseases and carry out complex surgeries. You can find us at any of our ten locations, Monday through Friday, and on the weekend at one of our Weekend Care Clinics. Request an appointment via the patient portal or by filling out our online form. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health!
