Quick Answer
What can a primary care provider treat? A primary care provider handles a wide range of everyday health needs: preventive care and screenings, common illnesses and minor injuries, ongoing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, medication management, mental health concerns and coordination with specialists. Primary care is often the best first stop for any non-emergency health concern.
Who this is for: adults who are not sure whether a concern belongs with their primary care provider, a specialist or urgent care.
Prevention and Wellness
- Annual or periodic checkups
- Recommended screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and cancer screenings, based on your age and risk[1]
- Vaccines and vaccine guidance
- Guidance on weight, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and quitting smoking
- Sports, school and work physicals
Common Illnesses and Minor Injuries
- Colds, flu, sinus infections, sore throats and ear pain
- Urinary tract infections
- Rashes and minor skin problems
- Stomach upset, constipation and diarrhea
- Sprains, strains and back pain
- Headaches
Serious symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of stroke, need emergency care, not a primary care visit.
Primary care covers prevention, everyday illnesses and long-term health.
Ongoing Conditions and Medications
Primary care providers commonly diagnose and manage long-term conditions, including:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Asthma and allergies
- Acid reflux
- Anxiety and depression
- Weight-related health concerns
They also review and manage medications, watch for interactions and help simplify complex medication lists.
Coordinating Your Care
When a concern needs specialized care, your primary care provider can order tests, interpret results, refer you to the right specialist and keep track of the full picture. This coordination helps avoid duplicated tests and conflicting advice. Your primary care provider is also a good person to ask, “Where should I go for this?”
Every practice has its own scope. Some services, such as certain procedures, specialized exams or disability evaluations, may need to be handled elsewhere, so it is worth asking what your practice offers.
Primary Care at Lake Forest Regenesis
Through a Direct Primary Care membership for adults, Allana provides primary care services within the clinic’s scope, including routine and follow-up visits, sick visits for common non-emergency illnesses, preventive care and physicals, chronic care and medication management, and lab review and care coordination. Some services, such as workers’ compensation and disability evaluations, pelvic exams and Medicare wellness visits, are not offered, and the team can help you understand what is included.
When to See a Provider
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting or thoughts of harming yourself or others. For thoughts of self-harm, you can also call or text 988.
Looking for a primary care provider in Lake Forest? Talk with us about what Direct Primary Care membership includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my primary care provider treat anxiety or depression?
Yes. Many primary care providers diagnose and treat common mental health conditions and refer to specialists when needed.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
It depends on your insurance. Even when a referral is not required, your primary care provider can help you choose the right specialist and share your records.
Can primary care handle minor injuries?
Many minor injuries, such as sprains, can be evaluated in primary care. Serious injuries, deformities or heavy bleeding need urgent or emergency care.
How do I know if something is an emergency?
If symptoms could threaten your life, limb or vision, such as chest pain, trouble breathing or stroke signs, call 911 or go to the ER.
References
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. A and B recommendations. View the recommendations
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
