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primary care doctor in Royal Palm Beach FL

Primary Care Medicine: What You Need to Know

Proper medical care and attention are crucial for maintaining overall health. A primary care physician is essential in managing preventative check-ups, treating illnesses and injuries, providing immunizations, and other vital processes that help keep us healthy.

You may wonder when primary care is right for you and how to ensure your primary care provider can meet your specific needs. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about primary care medicine and why it is an important part of any plan for staying healthy.

What Is Primary Care?

Primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system and includes a broad range of medical services essential for maintaining good overall health. Generally speaking, the primary care physician is the patient’s first point of contact with the healthcare system and provides a wide range of preventive and basic medical care. Primary care medicine includes preventive measures such as immunizations, health screenings and counseling, and the management of chronic disease.

Primary care also provides care for acute illnesses, injuries, and infections. Primary care physicians work closely with patients to coordinate treatment with specialists when needed. Ultimately, the goal of primary care is to keep patients healthy and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or emergency room visits.

Why Is It Important To Have A Primary Care Provider

Having a primary care provider is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Having a provider who knows your medical history and can provide continuity of care is especially important in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Primary care providers focus on preventive care and encourage regular check-ups and screenings. By detecting potential health issues early on, they can be treated before they become more serious and difficult to manage.

In addition, primary care is typically more cost-effective than specialty care or emergency room visits, making it a valuable resource for managing your healthcare needs. Studies have shown that individuals who have a primary care provider have better health outcomes, including lower rates of hospitalizations and longer life expectancy.

Find the Right Primary Care Provider

When you need to find a primary care doctor, it is important to choose someone who understands your individual health needs and can provide personalized care. Start by doing your research and checking out reviews from other patients but remember that everyone’s experience may be different. Consider the provider’s qualifications and experience, as well as their communication style and bedside manner.

It is also important to make sure that the provider accepts your insurance and is conveniently located for you. Do not be afraid to schedule a consultation to get to know the provider better and ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can find the perfect primary care provider to help you achieve your health goals.

Choosing Your Primary Care Provider

There are several factors to consider when making your selection, such as the location, hours of operation, and the qualifications of the providers. Additionally, it is important to consider the practice’s approach to healthcare and whether it aligns with your personal beliefs and values. A good primary care practice should prioritize communication and collaboration with their patients to ensure that their healthcare needs are met.

Take the time to research and visit different practices to find the one that feels comfortable for you. Your primary care provider will play an integral role in your healthcare journey, so it is worth investing the time and effort to find a practice that you feel comfortable with.

Family Medicine Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified doctors is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have the flu or need help managing your chronic condition, you can rely on the doctors at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Primary Care Doctors Near You

Choosing a primary care doctor is an important decision, as your choice could impact the quality of medical treatment and services you receive. To make the task easier, this comprehensive guide covers everything from how to conduct research on potential doctors to examples of how to find reliable health professionals near you.

Identify Your Needs

When it comes to healthcare, identifying your specific needs is crucial in finding the right type of care. Take some time to think about whether you require family medicine or internal medicine. Family medicine practitioners offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages, while internal medicine specialists focus on adult health concerns.

Another option might be a specialist in a certain area, such as a cardiologist or dermatologist. By considering your individual health needs, you can make an informed decision about the best available care. Remember, taking the time to evaluate and prioritize your healthcare needs is a major step toward achieving optimal health and well-being.

Do Your Homework

Taking care of our health is essential, and finding a primary care doctor who can guide us toward optimal wellness is crucial. Fortunately, in this digital age, searching for medical professionals in our area has become easier than ever. By using the internet, we can browse through a pool of highly qualified primary care doctors in our locality.

These doctors can offer personalized care, preventative measures, and acute treatment for various illnesses. Whether you need a regular check-up, vaccination, or treatment for a chronic condition, a primary care doctor can provide the medical expertise and care that you need.

Ask For Recommendations

When it comes to making important decisions, there is nothing quite like getting a personal recommendation from someone you trust. That is why asking friends and family can be such a valuable strategy for finding the right primary care provider.

Make a Few Calls

Taking the first step towards finding a new doctor can be overwhelming, but making an initial call to their office can provide clarity and ease any concerns. Asking about their services, accepted insurance plans, and availability can give you a comprehensive understanding of the care they provide. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your healthcare provider, and reaching out to their office is a great starting point. Do not hesitate to ask questions and make sure to take notes to keep yourself informed. Making that initial call could be the beginning of a long-term, beneficial relationship with your doctor.

Check Out Online Reviews

When it comes to choosing a doctor, it is important to consider more than just their qualifications and expertise. You want to feel comfortable and at ease with the entire experience, from booking an appointment to interacting with the nurse and office staff. Reading online reviews of the doctor and their practice can help you get a sense of what to expect.

You can learn about other patients’ experiences, including their wait times, the friendliness of the front desk staff, and the doctor’s bedside manner. While one or two negative reviews may not necessarily be cause for concern, consistently poor feedback should raise a red flag. Take the time to do your research and make an informed decision about your healthcare provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Making the decision to find a new doctor can be a daunting task. You want someone who is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but who also fits your personality and communication style. That is why a meet-and-greet appointment can be incredibly valuable. This is an opportunity to sit down with the doctor in person, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for their approach to medicine. You will be able to assess if this is someone you feel comfortable working with and trust to guide your healthcare decisions.

Family Medicine Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified doctors is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have the flu or need help managing a chronic condition, you can rely on the team at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with one of our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

4 Tips for Choosing Your Primary Care Physician

Choosing the right primary care provider is crucial to ensure you receive proper medical care and advice. This essential decision can impact future health outcomes, including adherence to treatment, patient satisfaction, and continuity of care.

A doctor who values your time, communicates effectively, and provides personalized care can make a big difference in your healthcare experience. Below are four insightful tips to help you select the right doctor to entrust your health with:

1.  Determine The Type Of Doctor That Suits Your Needs

Working with the right doctor starts with determining the type of medical professional that will meet your needs. There are several types of primary care doctors, including:

  • Family practitioners
  • Pediatricians
  • Internists
  • Obstetricians/gynecologists
  • Geriatricians
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Physician assistants

Patients should know their doctor’s training background, like family medicine or internal medicine, and their scope of practice.

For instance, a pediatrician is best if you have young children. If you’re an older adult with complex medical issues related to aging, a geriatrician would be a good choice.

Consider Professional Qualifications

Once you have narrowed your options to a specific type of doctor, research their qualifications. This includes their medical education, residency, and board certification.It is highly recommended that patients seek board-certified physicians. This serves as a strong indicator of their expertise and competency in their field.

Consider Management Practices

A doctor who values their patients’ time and well-being will have flexible office hours and convenient appointment scheduling options.During appointments, you want to feel that your concerns are heard and that you have ample time to discuss your concerns.

Another important factor to consider is the office staff. Friendly and efficient staff can make all the difference in your overall experience. From scheduling appointments to managing insurance claims, a doctor’s office staff should be knowledgeable and helpful in supporting your needs.

2.  Look For A Doctor Who Shows Compassion And Professionalism

Professionalism and genuine care for patients are essential components of clinical excellence. There is a preference for doctors who:

  • Show compassion for patient care
  • Display professionalism
  • Exhibit respect and empathy towards patients

Moreover, a doctor with a scholarly approach to clinical practice can offer patients quality and evidence-based care.They stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices, allowing them to provide the best medical services.

3.  Choose A Doctor Who Is Experienced In Diagnosing And Treating Several Conditions

Competent primary care physicians contribute to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and a more efficient healthcare system.Their ability to diagnose and manage health problems is critical to ensuring patient satisfaction.

Provides Comprehensive And Continuous Care

Look for a doctor who can manage a wide range of health problems. This will reduce the need for multiple referrals to specialists. This saves you time and decreases your financial burden.

Also, consider choosing a doctor who can provide consistent and continuous care over time. This allows for the development of a strong doctor-patient relationship.

A well-established connection enables the provider to comprehend your medical history and address your health concerns more effectively.

Works With Your Insurance Provider

A key aspect of healthcare is the ability to work closely with insurance providers. This ensures you receive the necessary coverage for your treatments at the least cost to you.Finding a doctor covered by your insurance will help you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses.

Coordinates Care With Specialists

When specialist care is necessary, excellent doctors coordinate with specialists to ensure seamless care for their patients. This coordination includes:

  • Sharing relevant medical information
  • Discussing treatment plans
  • Monitoring the patient’s progress

All of these contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare experience.

Prevents Unnecessary Specialist Care

The term “doctor referral” goes beyond a casual suggestion or recommendation. It is when a primary care physician recommends a patient to receive specialized medical attention or particular services.

This system aims to simplify the communication process between doctors regarding a patient’s healthcare requirements.Primary care physicians can help patients avoid unnecessary referrals to specialists. They do this by accurately diagnosing and managing their patients’ conditions themselves whenever possible.

4.  Seek Referrals And Recommendations

Getting referrals and recommendations from family, friends, or healthcare professionals is an excellent way to find a good doctor. That way, they can give you a good understanding of how their experience went.

You can check online reviews and patient satisfaction surveys to gather more information about your potential primary care doctor. Online forums can also help you find the best provider for a specific chronic condition or disability.

Primary Care Physician Near You In Wellington & Royal Palm Beach, FL

Navigating the complex world of healthcare can be challenging. However, having a primary care provider who understands your medical history and needs can make all the difference. When you consult the same doctor consistently, they become familiar with your unique health history and needs. This knowledge goes beyond what can be documented in a medical file, promoting personalized care tailored to your specific circumstances.

Are you looking for a primary care physician near you? At Advanced Medical Clinic, the best family practice in Wellington, patients can consistently receive care from our top primary care providers. This continuity of care offers numerous benefits that contribute to better health outcomes. You can easily ask questions and seek guidance without having to explain your symptoms or past experiences repeatedly.

To schedule an appointment, call (561) 434-1935 today. You can also request an appointment with the best primary care physician in Royal Palm Beach by using our online form. Don’t leave your healthcare to chance—opt for a trusted, dedicated primary care physician at Advanced Medical Clinic.

How to Choose a Primary Care Doctor

A primary care doctor is your key to achieving and maintaining optimal health. They provide you with everything from treating common illnesses such as fever, flu, allergies, etc., to screening deadly illnesses like breast cancer or prostate cancer and referral to a specialist.

A primary care doctor is a medical doctor who addresses all your primary care needs. So, it would be best if you chose a doctor with which you can have a rewarding relationship. Your primary doctor can be your family nurse practitioner, pediatrician, Ob/Gyn, internal medicine doctor, etc.

Let’s talk about some tips you can follow while choosing your primary care doctor and where you can find the best primary care doctor in Royal Palm Beach.

Tip#1 Start by Asking People You know

Finding the best primary care doctor in your area can be challenging. So, follow this easy step, i.e., ask around.

You can speak with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors and get recommendations from them. Another good source is getting recommendations from other healthcare professionals like pharmacists, physiotherapists, dentists, etc.

Note down the name of all the primary care doctors in a journal and research them to narrow down the list.

Tip #2 Get Help from Your Insurance Provider

A primary care doctor who shares your insurance plan will decrease your health care costs. So, to pay the least out of your pocket, ask your insurance provider to give you a list of primary care doctors who come under your plan. You can also search for the name of your potential primary care doctor on your insurance provider’s website.

You must choose a primary care doctor who comes under your insurance plan and is compatible with you.

Tip #3 Research the Education and Credentials

Do a background check to narrow down the list of primary care doctors you have in hand. You must find out about the education, training, experience,and accreditation of all the primary care doctors on your list.

Also, make sure that your potential primary care doctor is board certified and has no history of a malpractice claim or disciplinary action.

Tip #4 Know What Other People Say About the Doctor

Knowing what other people say about your potential primary care doctor will give you an insight into how the doctor practices medicine, the attitude of staff and doctors towards patients, and appointment wait times.

For this, read patient reviews and testimonials about primary care doctors. While these reviews can be used as a yardstick when choosing the doctor, you should not completely rely on patient reviews as they can be fabricated and sometimes misleading.

Tip #5 Find Out If your Primary Care Doctor Is Compatible with You

Before choosing a doctor, know them in person. For this, make a one-on-one consultation with them. During your consultation, notice your doctor’s communication style. Also, see if they answer your questions and value your point and treatment preference.

Choose a doctor who considers you a person, not a number.

Primary Care in Royal Palm Beach

If you’re looking for a highly skilled and trained primary care doctor, look no further than Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. At our clinic, we offer a high standard of primary and urgent care. Our internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene provide comprehensive treatment options to help you achieve a better quality of life.

To set up a consultation with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935or request an appointment by filling out our online form.

4 Healthy Tips from a Primary Care Physician Near You

It’s no denying that you need to avoid illnesses and practice healthy habitsto thrive and live a long-lasting life. However, avoiding certain illnesses and making healthy choices isn’t always easy.

The good news is that there is a doctor – your primary care doctor – whocanhelp you achieve and maintain good healthby fulfillingall your primary care needs and giving you some healthy tips.

Let’s talk about 4 healthy tips that your primary care doctor may advise you for living the healthiest and longest life and where you can find the best primary care doctor in Royal Palm Beach.

#1 Get Routine Health Screenings

Most people think regular health screening is only for those at risk for certain illnesses due to their genetic makeup. However, routine health screening is helpful for everyone. It helps detect diseases or conditions early when they are most treatable.

So, your primary care doctor recommends you regularly get yourself screened for heart diseases, diabetes, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

During your health checkups, you may also be asked to get screened for diseases specific to your gender and age group.

#2 Take Control of your Health

To live a long healthy life, it’s important that youmust take an active role in your health and well-being. You should make intelligent health choices using the knowledge and skills your primary care doctor equips you with.

For example, if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension, your primary care doctor advises you to manage your health condition by keeping a tab on your health numbers like blood pressure, BMI/weight, and blood sugar level.

#3 Maintain a Balanced Diet

One of the easiest things you can do to stay fit and healthy is to make wise food choices. This is because what you eat heavily impacts your health status.

For example, if you’re prediabetic, eating sugary food will keep your blood sugar level high, and you will quickly develop full-blown diabetes.

So, your primary care doctor advises you to incorporate the right amount of real food – whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, fish, and healthy meat – into your diet. Plus, you must reduce your salt intake and alcohol consumption.

#4 Stay Physically Active

People living sedentary lives are at higher risk for cancer, metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and musculoskeletal diseases, such as back pain, knee pain, and osteoporosis.

So, your primary care doctor advises you to engage in physical activity that gets you moving for 30 minutes daily, at least three days a week.

You can stay active by doing simple and enjoyable activities, such as cycling, swimming, walking, running, dancing, etc.

Primary Care Doctor in Royal Palm Beach

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, our primary care doctors,Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and ShariffaGunawardene, are committed to providing you with comprehensive primary care and urgent care. Our primary care doctorsofferadvanced, evidence-based, individualized care tohelp you achieve good health and enjoy a long healthy life.

To make an appointment with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online.

3 Major Benefits of Walking

Walking requires no gym membership or special equipment. It’s no wonder walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise. Several studies show that it’s one of the simplest things you can do to improve your physical, emotional, and mental health. A 30-minute daily walk program can burn calories, reduce cholesterol, increase endurance, and improve depression, among many other things.

Here are three major benefits of this underestimated activity:

#1: Strengthens Bones And Muscles

Walking daily transfers weight from your joints to your muscles and helps increase bone density. This makes you stronger and more resistant to musculoskeletal injuries.

Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become weak and prone to breaking, can also be prevented through regular walking. This activity also tones your leg and abdominal muscles.

Additionally, older adults can lower their chances of impairment and arthritic pain by walking for at least 10 minutes daily.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to get more movement, you can start with this!

#2: Improves Your Heart Health

Walking helps promote heart health in three ways. It does the following:

  • Improves circulation
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Decreases cholesterol levels

People who follow a daily walking routine have a 30% lower risk of heart attack or stroke. In addition, a walking program can help manage your blood pressure, resting heart rate, weight, body fat, and cholesterol. It can reduce days spent in a hospital and even increase your life expectancy compared to no leisure-time physical activity.

Do you have an existing heart condition and are thinking about starting a daily walking routine? Consult a doctor to know the most suitable way to introduce this into your lifestyle.

#3: Increases Cognitive Function And Boosts Mood

Adding a daily walk routine has notable mental benefits. You may experience increased brain function and improved mood compared to those who do not walk much.

Walking can also heighten creativity by an average of 60%. It enhances divergent thinking and increases brain flow by exploring many possible solutions quickly. Additionally, walking can improve memory and stop the loss of brain tissue with age.

Physical activities like it do more than boost cognitive function. They also encourage the body to release endorphins. This feel-good hormone can help:

  • Elevate mood
  • Stimulate relaxation
  • Lower stress levels

Starting A Daily Walk Routine

The first step to starting a walking routine is to consult your primary care doctor for a general assessment. They can help you identify the risks and benefits of a suitable and effective walking program.

Once you have a schedule in place, all you need to do is be consistent with it. Here are a few notes to help you get started:

  • Warm up and cool down before and after your walking sessions.
  • Start at a relaxed pace and quicken as you go.
  • Interval is key. Try to vary your speed for small amounts of time.
  • Have a bottle of water with you and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Consult a primary care doctor to ensure you are maintaining healthy walking habits.

Primary Care Near You In Wellington, FL

Daily walks can improve your quality of life by strengthening muscles and joints, improving heart health, and boosting brain function. Most people can safely engage in modest exercise, such as brisk walking. However, it’s best to check with a health professional, preferably your primary doctor, before you take on a new exercise program.

If you’re searching for a primary care physician in Wellington, Florida, consider us here at Advanced Medical Clinic. Our board-certified healthcare providers work hand in hand to bring patients’ goals to fruition. As the top Wellington family practice, we aim to provide the highest quality of compassionate health care. That way, our patients can focus on living their best lives.

To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician in Wellington, call our office at (561) 434-1935. You can also use our convenient online request form.

Coronavirus Treatment Evolution – What we now know about how to treat COVID-19

Coronavirus Treatment Evolution – What we now know about how to treat COVID-19

You may be hearing about coronavirus on a daily basis, but do you know what to do in case you develop symptoms? There’s no telling whether you will get mild or severe symptoms when you get infected. Fortunately, we have learned a lot about treatment over the past several months.

Mild Symptoms

If you develop a fever, dry cough, and body aches and think you may have COVID-19, you must stay home. Call your primary care doctor and let them know of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you get tested to make sure you know the cause of your symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions to help make your recovery more comfortable. Monitor your symptoms closely.

According to the CDC, people with mild symptoms of coronavirus can recover from home. Take care of yourself and do what you can to be healthy and help your body fight the virus. Rest, eat nutritious food, take your vitamins, hydrate, take a fever reducer, sleep, and do light exercises. Most people with mild symptoms feel better after a week. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms. As such, there is no need for prescription medication while they recover in most cases.

Moderate to Severe Symptoms

In the case you have severe symptoms, treatment may be necessary. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help with symptoms, but not to treat COVID-19 itself. While the world awaits a vaccine, so far, only one medication has been approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19, and that is Remdesivir. This is only for patients who are hospitalized. A corticosteroid called dexamethasone is also used for patients with severe symptoms who need a ventilator. Convalescent plasma therapy or using the blood of people who recovered from COVID-19 is also used to help reduce the severity of the symptoms and help patients recover. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor will determine which (if any) of these treatments can help you.

If you develop severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, a consistently high fever, or if your lips turn blue, go to an emergency room immediately. Remember, only patients with severe and life-threatening symptoms are admitted to the hospital.

The FDA is expediting the development of COVID-19 treatments at this time. In the meantime, mind your hygiene, follow social distancing guidelines, and do what you can to strengthen your immune system.

Primary Care Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Our primary care providers, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and Shariffa Gunawardene, ARNP are dedicated to providing personalized care and treatment. They are focused on restoring you to your optimal health. In light of the pandemic, we closely monitor patients who are COVID-19 positive and those who are showing symptoms but have not been tested. We understand that these are scary times, which is why we provide personalized care and support backed by medical science. If you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, call (561) 434-1935 or use our online request form.