Primary Care Provider

Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from arthritis, you know that finding ways to effectively manage the pain that comes with your condition is central to maintaining your mobility and overall quality of life.

In this post, you’ll learn about a few strategies that can help you ease arthritis pain and live well with it.

Tip #1 Make Positive Lifestyle Changes.

While the medications and other treatments that your primary care provider prescribed can help manage arthritis pain, the very things that you do on a daily basis have a significant impact on the outcome of your condition.

Having a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise can help with gradual weight loss and reduce your risk for flare-ups. Weight is of particular concern because the additional strain on your affected joint can cause further damage to it. Excess weight and chronic inflammation also go hand in hand.

If you smoke, it’s time to snuff the habit. Cigarette smoke makes arthritis pain worse, as it triggers the body to release cytokines, which are key modulators of inflammation.

Tip #2 Work Closely with Your Primary Care Provider.

Your primary care provider is an integral part of your healthcare team. They are not only there to coordinate your care and monitor your condition; they also serve as your accountability partner – to provide you with support and guidance, ensure treatment adherence, and reinforce healthy lifestyle changes.

Tip #3 Learn to Cope with Stress.

Research suggests that stress compounds the discomfort associated with arthritis, as it can cause endocrine and immune system dysfunction, leading to sustained low-grade inflammation.

While it can be easy to be pulled down by your negative thoughts when dealing with arthritis pain, always keep in mind that focusing on them will only make things worse. It will not only exacerbate the pain but also contribute to the progression of your condition.

There are many things you can do to cope with stress. Employ relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Surround yourself with people you love and who support you. Additionally, consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group; your primary care provider may be able to recommend one for you. Respond to unwanted thoughts by taking positive action.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our team includes a board-certified internal medicine provider and a board-certified family nurse practitioner, who have helped scores of patients suffering from arthritis and many other chronic health problems live and thrive with their conditions.

Call us today at (561) 434-1935 or book an appointment online to arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene or our family NP, Shariffa Gunawardene. We look forward to providing you with the high-quality health care you deserve!

Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among older men, it can occur in younger men as well. If it does, it can signal the possibility of an underlying health issue.

Below, you’ll learn about the factors that can predispose younger men to ED as well as what they should do about their condition.

Erectile Dysfunction Risk Factors

It’s important to take note that albeit advancing age is a common risk factor for ED, a man doesn’t have to be older to develop the condition. There are many health and lifestyle factors that can predispose even younger men to erectile dysfunction. These include the following:

  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) – This condition can occur in men younger than 40 years of age.
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Depression and other mental health problems
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney disease
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, antihypertensives, etc.) and some cancer treatments
  • Obesity
  • Peyronie’s disease- a condition that causes penis to bend and lose length or girth
  • Poor lifestyle habits- Substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
  • Prostate cancer – This can sometimes coexist with BPH.
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Surgery or trauma to the groin and genital area
  • Thyroid issues

ED as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have established a strong link between heart health and erectile dysfunction: while erectile dysfunction can be caused by cardiovascular disease, the former can also be a predictor of the latter.

It stands to reason that if a man has numerous episodes of erectile dysfunction, he should consult with his primary care provider, who will do a complete assessment and order certain tests to determine the underlying condition. The patient should also be honest about when ED happens and how frequently as this information can help his primary care provider confirm a diagnosis and connect him to the appropriate interventions.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internal medicine provider, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, provides evidence-based, compassionate, and confidential care for men dealing with erectile dysfunction. He offers a range of innovative interventions customized to your specific health needs. Should advanced care be necessary for your condition, Dr. Gunawardene will gladly coordinate your care with the right specialist.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also book a visit right here on our website. We look forward to helping you feel your best in and out of the bedroom!

Why You Should See a Family Medicine Provider for Your Chronic Pain

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that chronic pain afflicts roughly 50 million adults in the United States. If you’re a statistic, one of your best bets to keep chronic pain from wreaking havoc on your mental health and interfering with your overall quality of life is to work with your family medicine provider.

Read on to learn about the specific measures your family medicine provider can employ to help you tackle your chronic pain.

Devising a Care Plan for Your Chronic Pain

Chronic pain has various potential causes. It could be caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread body pain), an untreated musculoskeletal injury, multiple sclerosis, or any other health problem.

Your family medicine provider can get to the bottom of your chronic pain by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and current health status as well as ordering the necessary tests (e.g., blood work, diagnostic imaging, etc.).

If your family medicine provider deems that you need advanced treatment, they will coordinate your care with a specialist, such as a neurologist, pain management specialist, or orthopedic provider, to determine the most effective intervention for your problem. Depending on the underlying cause, your care team may recommend surgery or ongoing treatment.

Recommending Additional Strategies for Chronic Pain

Your family medicine provider may recommend any or some of the following strategies to enhance the efficacy of your care plan:

  • Exercise program – Exercise can have a positive impact on both your mood and pain threshold. It is also especially beneficial if your chronic pain is caused by arthritis, as it helps increase your mobility by reducing joint inflammation and stiffness.
  • Relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, etc.) – These have been shown to help with chronic pain by stimulating the production of the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins).
  • Joining support groups – This equips you with emotional support as well as useful information about your specific condition.
  • Smoking cessation program (supervised by your family medicine provider or another healthcare provider) – Studies show that smoking is linked to many health problems that cause chronic pain.
  • Behavior therapy/ professional talk therapy – Your family medicine provider may recommend either or both of these modalities to help improve your coping strategies.
  • Nutritional recommendations – Your family medicine provider may recommend a diet plan that includes anti-inflammatory foods, which can help with chronic pain.

Treatment for Chronic Pain in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and our board-certified family nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene are best known for their commitment to delivering the best possible treatment outcomes for the gamut of conditions—including those that cause chronic pain—affecting people of all ages. We will gladly collaborate with the right specialist to help you live well with or even conquer your pain.

To arrange a consultation with one of our providers, contact us at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment by filling out this secure form.

Tips on Choosing the Best Provider for Your Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is nothing to be ignored. In fact, if you are having difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an erection that is sufficient enough for sex, you should consult a family medicine providers who specializes in men’s health.

The family medicine provider you’re looking for will be able to diagnose and treat your ED promptly and without making you feel embarrassed. Let’s talk about how to find the best family medicine provider for you in treating your erectile dysfunction, and where you can go in Wellington for world-class internal medicine.

Talk with Your Family Medicine Provider

Your primary care provider (PCP) knows you better than any other healthcare provider. This family medicine provider keeps records of all of your medical treatments and diagnoses, updates your vaccinations, prescribes medications and other services (such as physical therapy), and performs your annual physical exam. This family medicine provider is therefore ideal for asking questions about your ED, and the family medicine provider may uncover underlying reasons behind it. Once your provider has determined the likely cause of your erectile dysfunction, it can be treated successfully.

For example, certain chronic health conditions – such as Parkinson’s disease, MS (multiple sclerosis), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease – can impact blood flow to the penis and proper nerve function. Additionally, some medications you take, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications, can impair penile function.

Consult with a Men’s Health Specialist

Your provider may already be well-versed in treating men’s health issues, so you may not need to look any further. A family medicine provider who specializes in men’s health will offer state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments for ED. Testing may include penile ultrasound to evaluate structure and blood flow, a blood draw to check for low testosterone (low-T), and other assessments.

Ask Questions

The family medicine provider you ultimately choose to treat your erectile dysfunction should make you feel comfortable in asking personal but pertinent questions, such as:

  • What could be the cause of my ED?
  • Do I have to take oral medications, or do I have other treatment options?
  • Can I improve my sexual function in natural ways?

The right ED family medicine provider can explain all of today’s myriad ED treatment choices, and the family medicine provider will ask you certain questions as well, such as:

  • How long have you had ED symptoms?
  • When do they tend to occur?
  • Are you having issues with achieving an erection, or maintaining one?

These questions are highly personal and can seem embarrassing. However, your family medicine provider needs this information to hone in on the underlying causes of your ED so that the best treatment can be determined for you. Keep in mind that most medical issues are indeed highly personal, so this is nothing new for your family medicine provider.

Men’s Health Specialist in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, FL

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internist can diagnose and treat a wide range of adult health issues, including erectile dysfunction. Whereas pediatricians are family medicine providers who specialize in treating children, internists specialize in treating adults – and Dr. Ishan Gunawardene can address health issues of all kinds for both men and women.

Advanced Medical Clinic also offers family medicine for people of all ages, as Dr. Gunawardene’s wife, Shariffa, is a family nurse practitioner here at our practice. We are conveniently located in Wellington, and we are here for you for any non-emergency medical needs.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (561) 434-1935 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare provider!

Tips to Stay Healthy When You’re Under The Weather

If you are feeling under the weather, you are probably dreading it. Even the mildest of sicknesses can take a toll on your body and prevent you from participating fully in your daily responsibilities and activities. As such, it is useful to know how to avoid getting common illnesses and how to feel better if you do get sick.

Reasons Why You May Be Sick

Most of the time, we think that we get sick by chance, but that’s not necessarily true. Here are some reasons why you might be feeling unwell.

Hereditary Factors

You may have inherited some types of allergies from one or both of your parents. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. They are caused by the immune system overproducing antibodies to “fight” the allergen present in the body.

Common allergies include hay fever, eczema, asthma, hives, and food allergies. Children are more commonly affected by allergies, but a first-time occurrence can happen at any age.

Workplace Environment

If there’s a cold or flu going around the office, there’s a good chance you’re going to get sick, particularly if your immune system is easily compromised.

Workplaces have communal areas and objects that get passed around constantly. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with a contaminated object is a sure way for you to get the same sickness as your colleagues.

Time of the Year

Some illnesses affect more people at certain times of the year. For example, seasonal allergies like pollen or hay allergies usually occur during spring. Meanwhile, the flu and strep throat are more common during fall and winter.

Chronic Conditions

If you’re experiencing recurring symptoms, you may have a chronic illness. There are a variety of causes of these conditions. These include age, diet, and lifestyle choices such as being overweight, smoking, and drinking excessive alcohol.

Tips to Fight Common Illnesses

No one enjoys feeling sick. It can take away from your busy day, the enjoyment you typically feel participating in your favorite activities, and can even impact your work performance. Not to mention, feeling sick is simply uncomfortable.

Get Enough Rest

You may think that staying on your feet will shake off whatever ailment you’re feeling. However, it’s not advisable to go about your day when your body is giving you signals that it’s not functioning properly. It’s best to listen to your body and take a break.

Getting ample sleep is critical to a speedy recovery. Good quality sleep has been proven to boost the immune system, which is crucial for recovery. To help you get quality sleep, make sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Cold viruses are transmitted by touch. If you use the same utensils and equipment as others, share the same food, or interact frequently with someone who has a cold, you’re more likely to get sick.

It’s important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day, as well as avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes when you are outside your home. These steps can help prevent many common illnesses.

If you are sick, it’s important to continue taking these precautions as to not spread your illness to others around you.

Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking water and other beverages like juices, broth, and electrolyte drinks when you’re feeling sick helps you replace the fluids you’ve lost. You also take in vital nutrients and eliminate waste.

Remember that being dehydrated can prolong your illness, so be sure to monitor your fluid intake over the course of a day.

Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Some go-to medications when you’re feeling flu symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Take these medications to reduce fever and muscle aches, as well. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies can be treated with oral antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. These drugs treat sneezing, itchy skin, and stuffy nose.

Consult with Your Primary Care Provider

If you cannot pinpoint why you’re feeling unwell or if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s best to seek the help of an expert. Your primary care provider can diagnose what’s ailing you and guide you towards the best treatment options.

You should also consult with a primary care provider if you suspect that you may have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, bronchitis, or high blood pressure.

Primary Care Provider at Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida

If at-home remedies do not work or you believe that you’re experiencing something more serious, it’s best to get yourself checked out by a primary care provider.

Here at Advance Medical, we provide quality healthcare to our patients. We offer internal medicine and family medicine services in Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida. Our comprehensive treatment options and experienced healthcare providers ensure that your visit with us will be both seamless and worry-free.

If you have any questions about our services, contact us at (561) 434-1935. You can also fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to getting you back to full health!

How to Choose Your PCP

Choosing the right primary care provider (PCP) is imperative in maintaining excellent health throughout your lifetime. This is the healthcare provider with whom you and your family will build a long-term relationship.

This family medicine provider will oversee your family’s health and wellness, with an emphasis on preventive care. Your primary care provider will maintain your medical records, write prescriptions as necessary, provide immunizations, gather records from any specialists and hospitals you may visit, recommend screenings, and provide advice on a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Primary care providers are also called general practitioners or family family medicine providers, because they are generalists in the field of medicine. These are the healthcare professionals with whom you will have your annual checkups.

Tips on How to Find a Family Medicine Provider

When it comes to looking for primary care providers, patients usually have many different options. Here are a few key tips for how to choose your PCP:

Search Within Your Health Plan Network

A good way to start off your search is to look for PCPs in your own network. Choosing a family medicine provider outside of your health plan may cost you a lot of money.

Most health plans have a long list of PCPs who accept their health insurance. If you have a family medicine provider who you’d like to see, call the family medicine provider’s office and ask them if they take your insurance – and if not, ask them what they charge for out-of-network checkups.

Ask for Referrals from People You Know

Your friends, neighbors, and nearby relatives may have excellent PCPs that they’d recommend to you and your family. If you ask multiple people, you’re likely to get multiple answers, which can be a good thing.

Once you have one or more names of family medicine providers, search online for the providers’ names and look at their credentials. You can often get a good feel for what the family medicine provider is like by their online profile and website.

Friendly medicine providers often mention their spouse or family on their website. Some providers even work with their family members, which is a good sign.

Look for Board Certification

A board-certified PCP has completed medical specialty training and passed an exam that has certified their knowledge, skill, and expertise in a specific field. In the case of a PCP, their certification is often in Internal Medicine. You can check a family medicine provider’s name online for board certification, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Look for Convenient Locations

When searching for a primary care provider, look for one who is within easy driving distance to your home or office. Convenience is key to selecting the right PCP for your family. You should not have to drive far to keep up with regular health and wellness checkups.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, we are a state-of-the-art primary care practice offering the highest standard of medical care in South Florida. Our primary care providers are friendly and compassionate and care deeply for your family’s health.

For your convenience, we have clinics in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you here!

How Your Family Medicine Provider Can Help You Manage Your Pain

Chronic pain can wear you down and further degrade your physical and mental health. Your family medicine provider can work with you to reduce your pain and improve your ability to carry on with your everyday activities.

Approaches to pain management have evolved over the last decade. Medical professionals increasingly put you at the center of all aspects of pain management, and that is a good thing. A common misconception is that pain medications such as opioids are the go to for pain management, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many ways your provider can help you manage your pain.

Encourage Communication

Your family medicine provider can help you best by getting you actively involved in your treatment. By communicating openly with you, your provider will involve you with decision-making and problem solving. Living better with chronic pain is the goal (after all attempts to correct the painful condition, of course), and this requires excellent communication between you and your family medicine provider, and your medical team. Communicative and caring family medicine providers can empower you as a person, not just as a patient.

Listen and explain

Your provider will ask you about how you experience your pain, and specifically, to describe your pain in everyday language. Because there are no specialized tests to assess where and how you feel pain, you are the primary source of information. Don’t hold back. You are your best advocate. Everybody has a different pain threshold, so it’s important to get a unique understanding of each patient.

In turn, your family medicine provider can help you understand that even if your chronic pain has no specific cure, there are ways to manage it. Your family medicine provider can provide you with resources such as easy to read information, referrals for physical therapists, and other therapeutic experts.

Provide options

You family medicine provider will talk with you about these and other options for your pain management plan:

  • Medications including analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be of help with mild to moderate pain.
  • Stronger pain medications, including opioids, provide important relief for patients who have strong or severe pain. You family medicine provider will work with you to ensure that you receive the appropriate and safe type of medication.
  • Pain management procedures such as electrical stimulation, acupuncture, nerve blocks, or surgery may be appropriate if pain is not controlled by medications.
  • Non-invasive treatments such as biofeedback, behavior modification, and psychotherapy are all important tools.
  • Alternative or complementary medicine (CAM) include treatments such as acupuncture, massage, Tai Chi, mindful meditation, and relaxation techniques, all of which have been shown to be helpful.

Advise and support

Your family medicine provider can suggest healthy lifestyle changes that will help you better manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Some suggestions your provider may make include:

Exercise: Chronic pain caused by certain conditions such as arthritis shouldn’t stop you from engaging in physical activity. Natural painkillers or endorphins released by your body after exercise help reduce perception of pain, and exercise has been shown to boost mood. Of course, first discuss any exercise plans with your provider to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you.

Diet: Eating regular meals rich in antioxidants and nutrients will help your body best deal with pain and stress. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean protein ensures you have the best fuel to repair and restore your health.

Reach out to us with any questions you have about how to manage your pain. call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.

Why Staying with The Same Family Medicine Provider Is Beneficial

Family medicine providers want to protect their one-one-one relationship with their patients. Therefore, having a good primary care provider (PCP) or family medicine care provider that has provided care for you anywhere from infancy to adulthood, is beneficial and important for many reasons. A family medicine provider who has taken care of you and sometimes other members of your family, will know you and your medical history inside and out.

For example, some health insurance allows the policy holder to go directly to a specialist when they feel the necessity to do so. However, your primary care provider has a unique knowledge of your health history, and can often consult with you about what type of specialist you may need to go to, or that you might not need to at all. They make it their goal to be the steward of your good health throughout the years, so having a little trust in their expertise can go a long way.

Staying with the same provider can ensure that you have the best care possible – they listen to your needs, and are able to give you their time and expertise every time they treat you. Since that relationship is developed over time, good quality service and care is guaranteed from a family medicine provider that has known you for a long period of time. Not everyone has the luck and luxury of having access to good healthcare, which is sad, but the rarity of it is a reality. As good care, and a good family medicine provider can often be taken for granted, when a place of good care and compassion is found, count that as a major blessing and stay put. Being with the same provider and practice as you grow up throughout the stages of life can be a very comforting thing when times get tough.

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, our continuity of care sets us apart from other practices. We ensure your treatment remains consistent and coordinated, so our patients will avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. Our practice understands the importance of quality of life and the meaning of true family health. By providing evidence-based medical care, our patients who stay with us long-term benefit by having a partner whose goal is to be a champion for their good health.

If it becomes necessary, we will refer you to the best family medicine providers or specialist that is fit to take care of your needs. To learn more about why staying with us is beneficial, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.

Insider Tips for Choosing the Best Primary Care Provider

What Qualifications are You Looking For? 

A primary care provider is your most personal contact to the healthcare system. He or she is your partner in health as well as your advisor, your confidant, and the one professional you can turn to when you have a problem with your health. However, this role can be filled by a number of different types of specialists.

An internal family medicine provider specializes in the care of all adults. They are often considered the detectives of medicine, because they are experts at identifying, diagnosing, and treating adult illnesses. However, they are also very qualified in helping you prevent illness and improve your health.

On the other hand, a family practice specialist is board certified to provide primary care for patients throughout their lifespan. This means that they treat infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. You may be looking for a primary care provider that can care for your entire family, and stay with you throughout your life. If that is the case, you may want to research family practice providers.

Some providers decide to get additional training to treat a specific population. A geriatrician is a specialist who is board certified in the treatment of patients 65 years of age and older. If you are looking for a primary care provider that has a deeper understanding of the unique needs of an older adult, than you may be looking for a geriatrician.

Other primary care providers include pediatricians and OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) specialists. Regardless of your choice, you should make sure that your family medicine provider is board certified in their area of expertise. This means that they have not only completed medical school, a residency, and sometimes a fellowship, but also that they have had the required testing that certifies that they are experts in their field.

What’s Important to You? 

Once you have narrowed down your search to specialty, it’s time to take inventory of what is important to you. Depending on where you live and what kind of transportation is available, you may want a primary care provider whose office is close to your home or your work. How about office hours? Do you need to find someone who is available evenings or weekends, or that can see you in an emergency? And if you call after hours, will you talk to your provider or an associate, a covering family medicine provider, a nurse practitioner, a family medicine provider’s assistant, or a nurse? This might be something that will add weight to your decision. You may also have a preference for hospital facilities, so find out where they have affiliations or privileges.

You should also take personal needs and beliefs into consideration. If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, you may be looking for a primary care provider that specializes or has a focus in one of these illnesses. Everyone has different styles or approaches from a provider that they are comfortable with. Do you need a family medicine provider that lays everything out for you and spells out a plan, or would you prefer someone who gives you options and lets you choose? Personal style can be of great benefit, or can be a deterrent to achieving health, because if you are not comfortable the advice you are given, you probably won’t follow it.

Ask Around

Now that you have developed an inventory of what you are looking for in a family medicine provider, it’s time to get some recommendations. Ask your friends who they see, and why they have chosen their provider. Ask them to list their pros and cons, in their opinion, because remember that you might think differently. You can ask people other than your friends too. Ask your coworkers, your kid’s teachers, and even other family medicine providers like your specialists or your kid’s pediatrician. Once you’ve compiled a list, you should check with your insurance company directly because online and published lists are not always accurate. You don’t want to spend time inquiring about family medicine providers that are not on your plan, and you certainly don’t want to find out they don’t take your insurance after you’ve made an appointment. Finally, there are a number of websites that offer reviews of providers. Don’t just look at the numbers, but read the written reviews, because again, what is important to someone else may not be important to you.

Make Your Decision In Person 

When you are pretty sure of your choice, make an appointment. It is important that the impression you have formed is an accurate one. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your health concerns, and see how well you communicate. In all likelihood, if you’ve done your homework, you will have a match, but take this opportunity to get to know your provider. When making the very important choice of choosing your primary care provider, you should feel comfortable in knowing that this is someone you can have a long and trusting relationship with, because your health depends on it.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our practice and the primary care services we provide. At Advanced Medical, PA, we pride ourselves in providing personal and individualized, quality health care. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule a visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Types of Primary Care Providers

So, a primary care provider is not just a title, or a box to check off on paperwork. It is the designation you give to someone with whom you have a very personal relationship. The role of the primary care provider is to oversee your overall health, to guide you to a healthy lifestyle, to recommend things that will prevent illness, to anticipate your needs and help you understand what to expect, and to treat you when you do become ill. Your primary care provider should be your “go-to” when you have health concerns, because they know you best. They can provide most of your medical care, and they will refer you to the appropriate specialist when necessary.

In choosing a primary care provider, it is important to remember that people are not all one-size-fits-all. Neither are family medicine providers. You have unique needs and should choose a primary care provider that best fits those needs. Primary care is a role, and not a specialty. Family medicine providers have a number of different specialties, each with advanced training in the care of a specific population, can provide primary care services. In fact, internists, family practice providers, pediatricians, geriatricians, and women’s health providers are all qualified primary care providers.

Internal Medicine Providers

Family medicine providers who specialize in internal medicine, also known as internists, are experts in the care of adult patients. Their focus is not only on health promotion and disease prevention, but also in the diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic illness. Internists are extremely good diagnosticians, often referred to as the detectives of medicine, which is why they are experts at treating patients who are experiencing health challenges. However, their goal is to keep you as healthy as possible, which is why they will also make sure you are getting your scheduled immunizations, are up-to-date on appropriate screening like mammograms and cholesterol levels, and understand the lifestyle choices that promote good health.

Family Practice Providers

Family practice providers have specialized training in the care of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. This means that they are qualified to care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and older adults. The focus of family medicine is very comprehensive, treating the whole individual, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. However, like internists, they will also treat both acute and chronic illnesses for their patients.

Pediatricians 

While some people prefer to have one family medicine provider for the entire family, others feel more comfortable having a family medicine provider who specializes in the care of children as the primary care provider for their kids. Pediatricians are board certified in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from newborns to the age of 21. Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development. Important developmental landmarks mark each stage of life, and it is important to not only be observant that they are being met, but to also foster activities and behaviors that help children learn and grow. Additionally, a lifetime of healthy habits, including staying current on immunizations, having regular checkups, eating healthy diets, and getting adequate exercise can be fostered throughout childhood. A pediatrician is not only an ideal source of guidance and information, but is also highly qualified to treat illnesses associated with childhood.

Geriatricians

Just like children, older adults are faced with challenges unique to their age. Not only is chronic illness more common in adults 65 and older, but also, additional syndromes such as falls, memory loss, and hearing loss become more prevalent. As we advance in age to 65, 75, 85 years, or older, it becomes increasingly beneficial to be under the care of a provider with specialized knowledge of the care of older adults. A geriatrician is a provider that has such training. They are board certified in caring for adults 65 and older, and like other primary care providers, will address health promotion, disease prevention, and management of illnesses, recognizing the unique and multidimensional needs of their patients.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Providers

Women have very unique healthcare needs throughout their lifespan. As such, some women, especially during their childbearing years, choose to elect their OB/GYN provider as their primary care provider. Women who are pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, have very specific concerns, including nutrition, exercise, and the safe use of medications. Additionally, hormone irregularities as well as illnesses associated with the reproductive tract can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health. For these reasons, family medicine providers that have specialized knowledge of women’s health issues, such as OB/BYN providers, are a reasonable choice for primary care.

At Advanced Medical PA, we are concerned about the health and wellbeing of you and your entire family, and we are committed to helping you maintain good health. If you have questions about primary care or the services we provide, please call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.