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Girls' VersionChoosing a Primary Health Care Provider (PCP):
Who PCP's Are and Why You Need One
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Who are PCPs?
A PCP can be a doctor, nurse-practitioner, or physician's assistant (PA). Nurse-practitioners and PA's are trained to perform many parts of primary care.
Nurse-practitioners are required to work with a doctor or physician in some states, but can work alone in others. PA's are required to work with a doctor. They perform regular check-ups and help with your problems.
Both nurse-practitioners and physician's assistants have some limits as to what they are allowed to do. Call the provider's office, and ask what the nurse-practitioner or physician's assistant cannot do that a physician or doctor can do. See if the differences are important to you.
Why do I need a PCP?
You need a primary health care provider so that your health can be checked regularly. This helps to catch any problem early so that it does not become worse. Your provider can talk with you about your health risks, such as smoking, alcohol, sex, seat belts, and nutrition. If you have a serious or unusual medical problem, your provider can refer you to a specialist, someone who knows much more about that kind of problem.
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Next: How to Find a PCP |
Updated: 5/27/2011
