Best Primary Care Physicians Near Me in Palmetto, FL | WebMD - Page 207 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best type of doctor for primary care? ›

Internal medicine doctors

Why choose an internal medicine doctor for primary care? Internal medicine doctors are experts at balancing an adult's regular preventive care needs with specialized care needs. They are well versed in conditions that can pop up in adulthood, like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Shortage of Primary Care Physicians

This shortage is attributed to various factors including an aging population (both patients and doctors are getting old), a growing emphasis on specialized medicine which draws physicians away from primary care, and fewer medical graduates choosing primary care as a field.

The primary diagnostic accuracy of WebMD ranged from 3 to 53% across a variety of medical conditions that were assessed in eight included studies (Table ​3)^1,22.

You should consider a family physician or internal medicine specialist (internist) to serve as your PCP to provide overall management of your health care. You also may want to choose an obstetrician/gynecologist if you are a woman, or a pediatrician for your children.

It's necessary to visit a primary care doctor for persistent illnesses or for close monitoring of a pre-existing condition. While a nurse practitioner can handle these issues, your primary care doctor may be more adept at analyzing your entire medical history to troubleshoot issues and create a treatment plan.

While PCPs have broad knowledge, specialists focus on the management of specific conditions and/or body systems. They work with your PCP to provide care based on their respective specialties.

The happiest medical specialty: Family medicine

Because family medicine doctors are in regular contact with patients and focused on community care, their jobs are incredibly fulfilling. In a review of overall physician happiness, Nature.com² listed family medicine as one of the happiest doctor specialties.

Family physicians are trained to diagnose and treat an entire spectrum of medical issues for patients of all ages. “Family physicians have a broader scope,” Dr. Doggett explains.