WHAT IS A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care practitioner. PCPs see people that have common health problems. Also a primary care provider may be a doctor or a nurse practitioner. Also primary care providers are involved in health care for a long time. Hence, it is important to choose someone with whom you will work well.
A PCP is your main health care provider in non emergency situations. Hence, PCP’s role is to: Provide preventive care and teach healthy lifestyle choices. Also identify and treat common medical conditions. And assess the urgency of your medical problems and direct you to the best place for that care. And make referrals to medical specialists when necessary. Also primary care is most often provided in an outpatient setting. Also PCPs assist in care with hospital admissions. Hence, having a PCP can give you a trusting, ongoing care team with one provider over time.
We like doing primary care for our patients!
PREVENTATIVE MEDICAL HEALTH CARE
Staying healthy and living a long life starts with preventive healthcare. Also preventive healthcare can help you avoid illness. And detect problems before you notice any symptoms helping you stay healthy. Preventive Care Guidelines includes info from the USPSTF. USPSTF includes an A rating (meaning a high chance of benefit to you is substantial). Also the Affordable Care Ace (ACA) covers a B rating (high chance of moderate benefit). First of all, under the ACA new health plans since September 23, 2010 cover this preventive care. Preventive care is practiced by our staff to keep patients healthy. Preventive health has a focus on the care of patients, neighbors, and defined cities. Its goal is to protect, promote, and maintain health. Also maintain well being and to prevent disease and death.
WE OFFER TRADITIONAL FAMILY MEDICINE
Primary care provider skills include: Preventative Health Screening Well Male Physical Exams Well Female Physical Exams (Lindsey Wismer (WHCNP), Dr. Kristine Griess (D.O.), Dana Mozer (NP), Kelly Washburn (NP), Melissa Lynett-Federspiel (NP), and Claudia Dogan-Coles (PA) can perform GYN/PAP/Pelvic Exams) Well Child Examinations Diabetes Care Management Acute Illnesses (Cough, Colds, Flu, UTI’s, etc.) Chronic Disease Management EKG’s Exercise Prescriptions IUD Insertion/Removals Personal Training w/ Thad Merritt (email thad@merritthw.com to schedule) We Do Not Have The Special Tools Necessary To Provide Immunizations or Major Procedures at this time, but can refer you to some of our trusted colleagues in the neighborhood to help you receive these services.
WHAT IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
Nurse Practitioners are a health partner of choice for millions of patients. NPs are clinicians that blend knowledge in diagnosing and treating health issues. Also NPs focus on disease prevention and health management. NPs bring a comprehensive perspective to health care. All NPs must complete a master’s degree program. And have clinical training beyond their nurse schooling. Clinical courses prepare nurses with knowledge to practice primary care, acute and long term health care settings.
WHAT IS AN OSTEOPATHIC DO DOCTOR? WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed doctors who practice in all regions of health care. Dr. Kristine Griess is a primary family medicine doctor. Osteopathic Doctors are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and prevent disease. Osteopathic Doctors receive special training in the muscle and bone system, nervous system, and combine them to help patients. With this knowledge and the latest med tech, they offer patients the most wholesome health care today. Osteopathic physicians focus on how to prevent disease, tuning into how a patient’s lifestyle and environment can impact their well being. DOs strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit — not just free of symptoms. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are provide a full range of health care, from being able to prescribe drugs and perform surgery. But Osteopathic Doctors offer something special as well, their unique approach to patient care. Osteopathic doctors are trained to: Teach patients how to prevent illness and injury by with a healthy lifestyle. Look at the whole person to reach diagnose without focus just on symptoms. Help the body to heal itself. Believe that all parts of the body work together with one another. DOs are trained in the nervous system and the muscles and bones. Perform a hands on approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
THE OSTEOPATHIC DIFFERENCE
If you’ve never been to a DO before, you may wonder what to expect. A typical office visit includes four parts: interview, exam, diagnosis, and treatment. Interview: The DO will talk with you about your medical past. Also, you will be asked about such factors as your home, work, and family life. Exam: Your DO will do a complete physical exam. Also, tests can be ordered. Diagnosis: The DO will consider the results of your health past and exam and will tell you what may be causing your symptoms. Treatment: The DO will suggest a treatment plan. This may include natural health and functional medicine treatments. Although in some cases it may include such options as drugs and surgery.