Who are primary care doctors?
Healthcare professionals who study and train in preventing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions in people of all age groups are called primary care doctors or primary care physicians (PCPs). They provide comprehensive care and are usually the first doctors patients visit when in need. Access to primary care constitutes a significant role in remaining healthy because primary care doctors not only recommend ways to promote health but also make referrals to specialists when patients need advanced care.
Training and qualifications for primary care doctors
To become a licensed primary care doctor in the US, one needs to complete:
- Four years of pre-med school
- Four years of medical school
- Clear the board exams conducted by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Steps 1 and 2 or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA), Levels 1 and 2
- Core clerkships or clinical instruction
- Residency program with mandatory rotations in emergency medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and inpatient hospital care
- Get certified by clearing the exam by either the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
- Apply and obtain a state license by passing step 3 of USMLE or level 3 of COMLEX-USA to practice in a particular state in the US
Where do primary care doctors practice, and what do they do?
Primary care doctors work at private clinics, outpatient and inpatient hospital departments, or long-term care facilities. They conduct screenings to check for increased blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and risk factors for heart diseases. They take care of all immunizations that prevent flu and other illnesses. Primary care doctors are the first point of contact who discover and report the signs of developmental disorders, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. They also help patients who want to lose weight or quit dangerous habits such as smoking. In case of cancers, such as cervical, breast, prostate, or colorectal cancers, primary care doctors are the first doctors to notice and make further referrals.
In case of acute injuries or illnesses, we always see primary care doctors first. They perform laboratory and imaging tests, prescribe medications for conditions such as fever, dehydration, bites, migraine, asthma, and urinary tract infections, and provide first aid for wounds and splints or casts for injured limbs.Â
While managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or thyroid illness, primary care doctors coordinate with specialists, prescribe medications, and suggest customized diet and exercise plans. They check for drug interactions, proscribe lab tests to monitor treatment progress, and make coordinate with specialists when in need.
What are the kinds of primary care doctors?
Primary care doctors can provide comprehensive care for several medical conditions, Many priamry care doctors include:
- Family doctors
Also known as family medicine physicians or family practitioners, they train in pediatrics, adult medicine, geriatric medicine, obstetrics, and musculoskeletal care. They check and treat patients of all ages in a family.
- Internists
They are also called general internal medicine physicians or internal medicine doctors (MD) and are experts in treating several acute and chronic conditions in adults. They train in various fields, such as orthopedics, rheumatology, geriatrics, endocrinology, rehabilitation, and neurology.
- Pediatricians
General pediatricians care for children from infancy to adolescence. They focus on the development, wellness, and treatment of conditions in children till they turn 21.
- Geriatricians
These doctors manage all the conditions that affect older people, such as dementia, balance problems, and insomnia, to name a few. They are experts in treating patients over 65 years of age.
- Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYN)
These doctors train to prevent, diagnose, and treat all problems that affect women's health, including menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy, delivery, and menopause.
Finding the best primary care doctors in Whitestone, New York
The process of choosing the best primary care doctor near you who understands your needs is crucial for you to maintain optimal health at all times. Zocdoc keeps the patient's needs in mind and helps you find the best primary care doctors practicing near you.
Finding a doctor with the help of Zocdoc is quite simple. Once you go into the website, fill out your symptoms, condition, or the kind of doctor you want to see. Zocdoc also helps you filter doctors based on the address of your current residence with zip code, the date you prefer to visit the doctor, and the current medical insurance you hold. You can book both in-person and virtual appointments using Zocdoc.
Zocdoc provides a bio for all the doctors listed on the website to make things more transparent. The profile includes information on the doctor's educational background, affiliations, certifications, area of expertise, work experience, languages spoken, the age group of people that they treat, and any awards and recognitions they have received in their chosen field. Zocdoc also provides detailed reviews and ratings from previous patients so you can make a confident choice. With Zocdoc, you can also check if the doctor you wish to consult accepts your medical insurance.
All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
Statistics on primary care doctors in New York
The Bureau of Labor Statistics published a report on the occupational employment and wages for family medicine physicians in different states and territories in the US. According to this report, as of May 2021, 102,930 licensed family medicine physicians were practicing in government facilities in the US. Out of these, 3,410 were in New York with a low location quotient (0.54) compared to the national average.
Another report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that as of May 2021, New York had the highest number of licensed general internal medicine physicians (10,190) practicing in the US. The location quotient for the state is 2.84, which is the highest in the US.
New York has the second highest number of licensed general pediatricians (3,710), per the Occupational Employment and Wages report published in May 2021 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The location quotient for the state stood at 1.79, which is above the national average.
Yet another report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that as of May 2021, 2,240 licensed obstetricians and gynecologists were practicing in government medical centers in New York, which was the highest among all the US states and territories.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline Media
Cleveland Clinic
MedicineNet
Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]
Bureau of Labor Statistics [2]
Bureau of Labor Statistics [3]
Bureau of Labor Statistics [4]
