primary care services near you

Find the Best Primary Care For Your Needs

Navigating today’s healthcare system can be challenging. However, finding the right primary care provider can make all the difference for your family’s health and well-being.

This blog aims to guide health-conscious adults and families through the process of selecting the best primary care tailored to their needs. We’ll also detail the benefits of having an internal medicine or family medicine doctor.

What is Primary Care?

Primary care serves as the foundation of healthcare, providing patients with accessible, comprehensive, and continuous care. It addresses a broad array of health issues, from preventive measures and routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions. Primary care is often the first point of contact within the healthcare system, making it essential for maintaining overall health.

Primary care is designed to serve individuals of all ages, from infants to elderly adults. It plays a crucial role in:

  • Early detection of health issues.
  • Preventive care through vaccinations and screenings.
  • Management for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and COPD.

By offering tailored care for each family member, primary care ensures everyone receives personalized attention.

The Importance of a Primary Care Provider

Having a dedicated primary care provider (PCP) is invaluable. A PCP becomes familiar with your medical history, lifestyle, and healthcare preferences, offering continuity and coordination of care. This relationship helps in:

  • Building trust and open communication.
  • Providing an all-inclusive review of your health.
  • Coordinating with specialists when necessary.

Essentially, a PCP acts as your personal healthcare advocate. They guide you through the complexities of the medical system.

How to Zero In on the Right Primary Care Provider

Selecting the right primary care provider involves several steps. Here is a guide to help you find the best fit for your family’s needs:

Research and Recommendations

You should begin your search by seeking feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights. Additionally, online reviews and ratings can offer a broader perspective on a provider’s reputation and patients’ satisfaction with their care.

Verify Credentials and Experience

Ensure that the provider is board-certified in their specialty, whether it is internal medicine or family medicine. Check their experience and areas of expertise, particularly if you have specific health concerns.

Consider Convenience

Location and office hours are critical factors. Choose a provider whose clinic is conveniently located and offers flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. This ensures you can easily access care when needed.

Primary Care Services at Advanced Medical

Advanced Medical, located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, offers a range of internal medicine and family medicine services. Our team of experienced providers is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered primary care.

Internal Medicine Services

At Advanced Medical, board-certified internist, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, provides:

  • Comprehensive adult health assessments.
  • Chronic disease management.
  • Preventive care and screenings.
  • Diagnostic testing and treatment.

Dr. Gunawrdene’s expertise ensures that adult patients receive specialized and attentive care.

Family Medicine Services

Board-certified nurse practitioner, Shariffa Gunawardene, is specially trained to treat patients of all ages, providing:

Her holistic approach not only caters to the diverse healthcare needs of families, but also ensures everyone receives individualized care.

With each visit, Advanced Medical works to enhance your healthcare experience by providing:

  • Detailed health assessments.
  • Personalized care plans.
  • A supportive and welcoming environment.

Our commitment to excellence ensures that you and your family receive the best possible care.

The Benefits of Joining Advanced Medical Clinic

Choosing Advanced Medical for your primary care needs brings numerous advantages, including:

  • Access to a team of skilled and compassionate providers.
  • Comprehensive care that is customized to you and your family’s unique healthcare needs.
  • A dedicated focus on preventive health care and wellness.
  • 24-hour, on-call access for urgent care needs.
  • A convenient location in Wellington, Florida.

Our dedication to patient-centered care is what sets us apart, ensuring you and your loved ones receive the highest quality service.

Primary Care Near You in Wellington, Florida

Finding the best primary care provider is essential for maintaining your family’s health and well-being. With a dedicated primary care provider, you can enjoy personalized, continuous, and comprehensive care that addresses your unique health needs.

Advanced Medical offers top-notch internal medicine and family medicine services, ensuring that you and your family receive the best possible care. Take the first step towards better health by scheduling an appointment with our experienced team today.

Scheduling your visit to Advanced Medical is easy. You can call us at (561) 434-1935 or, if you prefer, use our secure appointment request form.

At Advanced Medical, our top priority is your health and wellbeing. Contact us today and experience the difference of expert, compassionate care.

Empowering Patients: How to Be an Active Participant in Your Primary Care Journey

In today’s healthcare environment, taking an active role in your health is more important than ever. Now, you have the opportunity and responsibility to engage actively with your healthcare providers, understand your health in-depth, and make informed decisions about your care.

This article is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the complex world of healthcare with confidence. From building a relationship with your provider to managing your health records and making lifestyle changes for better health, we are here to guide you.

Build a Positive Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider

Building a positive relationship with your healthcare provider is foundational to becoming an empowered patient. This relationship should be built on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.

A few ways to help foster a strong partnership with your healthcare provider include:

  • Being Prepared for Appointments: Come to your appointments with a list of questions or concerns.
  • Sharing Your Health History Openly: Be open and honest about past and current health issues, medications, and any other treatments you are receiving.
  • Practicing Open Communication: Do not be afraid to express your concerns or ask for clarification if you do not understand something.
  • Following Through on Recommendations: Show your provider that you value their expertise by following through on their recommendations.
  • Providing Feedback: If you have suggestions on how your care could be improved or compliments on what is working well, share them.

Educate Yourself About Your Health

Being knowledgeable about your health is key to empowerment. Here are ways to educate yourself effectively:

Utilize Reputable Health Information Sources

Prioritize information from reputable sources such as:

  • Official health organization websites
  • Peer-reviewed journals
  • Trusted healthcare providers

Avoid misleading or non-scientific sources that can lead to confusion or harm.

Ask Questions

When you visit your healthcare provider, ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.

Understanding your health condition and the reasoning behind certain treatments can help you make informed decisions.

Participate in Patient Education Programs

Many hospitals and clinics offer patient education programs that provide valuable information about managing various health conditions.

These programs can also offer support from others who are going through similar experiences.

Stay Informed About New Research

Healthcare and medical treatments are continually evolving. Staying informed about the latest research and breakthroughs related to your health condition can help you discuss new treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Manage Your Health Records

Effective management of your health records plays an important role in patient empowerment. Here is how to manage your health records effectively:

Understand How to Access Your Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Most healthcare providers now use EHRs, which you should have access to through a patient portal. Familiarize yourself with how to:

  • Log into the EHR portal
  • View your records
  • Download copies for your own records

Keep a Personal Health Record

In addition to your EHR, consider maintaining a personal health record. This can include:

  • Notes from your provider’s visits
  • Personal observations about your symptoms
  • A list of medications
  • Any over-the-counter supplements you are taking

This comprehensive view can be invaluable during appointments or when seeking a second opinion.

Organize Your Records

Keep your health documents in a safe and organized manner.

Use a digital tool like a spreadsheet or a dedicated health app to track your health data, appointments, test results, and treatments.

Share Your Health Information When Necessary

There may be situations where sharing your health information with other healthcare providers is necessary, especially if you are receiving care from multiple specialists.

Ensure that all your healthcare providers have access to your relevant health records to provide coordinated care.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Health

Embracing lifestyle changes is essential for enhancing your health and being proactive in your primary care journey. Key adjustments for better health outcomes include:

  • Adopting a balanced diet
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Prioritizing sleep
  • Managing stress
  • Avoiding tobacco and limit alcohol
  • Staying hydrated
  • Attending regular check-ups

Making these lifestyle changes, even gradually, can lead to significant health improvements.

Start with small, manageable steps and build up to a healthier lifestyle that you can maintain long-term. Your efforts will not only improve your physical health but also your quality of life.

Compassionate Primary Care Near Me in Wellington, FL

Remember, being an active participant in your healthcare does not mean you are on this journey alone. It is about collaborating with your healthcare team, armed with the right knowledge and tools. As you move forward, keep asking questions, stay informed, and take proactive steps to care for your health. By doing so, you will not only improve your own health outcomes but also contribute to a more patient-centered healthcare system.

Do you need compassionate primary care near you? If so, you can trust Advanced Medical, the most reliable Wellington family practice. Call our helpful staff today at (561) 434-1935 for any concerns or questions. You may also submit an online appointment request form to book a consultation with the top primary care provider in Wellington, FL.

We look forward to serving you!

The Future of Primary Care: Telemedicine and Technological Advancements in Healthcare

In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, primary care stands as a foundational pillar. It acts as the first point of contact and continuous, comprehensive care for patients within the healthcare system. However, like all fields, primary care is not immune to change. In fact, it stands at the cusp of a transformative era driven by telemedicine and technological advancements.

The Rise of

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the delivery of health care services through digital platforms. It has been gaining significant traction in recent years. From virtual consultations to remote patient monitoring, telemedicine is revolutionizing how primary care is delivered.

Bridging the Gap with Virtual Consultations

Virtual consultations offer a viable solution to the geographical and logistical barriers that often hinder access to primary care. They allow healthcare providers to reach patients who:

  • May be in remote areas
  • Can’t make the journey due to physical constraints

Furthermore, virtual consultations offer a level of flexibility that traditional in-person visits can’t match. This makes healthcare more accessible than ever before.

Remote Patient Monitoring: A New Standard of Care

Remote patient monitoring is another facet of telemedicine that is reshaping primary care. It involves the use of digital technologies to collect medical data from individuals in one location. Then, the information is electronically transmitted to healthcare providers in a different location. This approach allows for real-time monitoring of a patient’s health. It also enables early detection and intervention of potential health issues.

Technological Advancements: Shaping the Future of Primary Care

Beyond telemedicine, here are other technological advancements that are poised to redefine primary care:

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Frontier in Healthcare

AI has enormous potential to enhance primary care.  From streamlining administrative tasks to assisting in diagnosis and treatment plans, AI can augment the capabilities of healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes. The integration of AI in primary care is still in its early stages, but its potential impact is undeniable.

Wearable Technology: Personalizing Healthcare

Wearable technology includes smartwatches and fitness trackers. Recently, they have made health monitoring a part of daily life for many individuals. These devices provide valuable data on:

  • Vital signs
  • Physical activity
  • Sleep patterns

This wealth of information can be harnessed by primary care providers to deliver more personalized and proactive care.

Advanced Data Analytics: Unlocking Insights for Better Care

Advanced data analytics is another technological advancement that promises to transform primary care.

By leveraging complex algorithms and machine learning, healthcare providers can analyze vast amounts of health data. This allows them to:

  • Uncover insights
  • Predict trends
  • Optimize care delivery

When to See Your Primary Care Provider

Primary care providers  play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They are often the first point of contact for patients and provide continuous, comprehensive care. This is why it’s essential to recognize when to see your primary care provider.

Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups are vital for preventive care. These visits allow your provider to monitor your health over time and catch any potential issues early. It is generally recommended to have an annual check-up.

Changes in Health Status

Notice any significant health changes? This includes:

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Frequent headaches
  • Chronic pain

If so, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. These could be signs of underlying health conditions that need to be addressed.

Chronic Condition Management

Regular appointments with a primary care provider are crucial. This is especially the case for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, or asthma.

These visits help:

  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Monitor treatment effectiveness
  • Adjust care plans as necessary

Mental Health Concerns

Experiencing depression symptoms, anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues? Primary care providers are equipped to handle some mental health concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider. They can provide initial treatment and refer you to a specialist, if needed.

Prescription Refills

You’ll need to see your primary care provider for refills if you’re on prescription medication. This is especially important for medications that require monitoring, such as those for blood pressure or cholesterol.

Primary Care Provider Near You in Wellington, FL

The future of primary care lies in its ability to adapt and evolve with the technological advancements of our time. Primary care is on a path towards a more connected, efficient, and personalized healthcare experience. The rise of telemedicine, AI, wearable technology, and advanced data analytics makes this possible. As these technologies continue to mature and integrate into the healthcare system, the future of primary care looks brighter than ever.

Are you in search of the best primary care provider near you in Wellington? You can rely on Advanced Medical’s very own Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, the top internal medicine provider in Wellington. You may reach our helpful staff today at (561) 434-1935. You can also use our secure online appointment request form to book a visit with the best primary care physician in Wellington.

We look forward to serving you!

Managing Chronic Conditions: How Primary Care Providers Provide Ongoing Support

Managing chronic conditions is an enduring challenge that requires a comprehensive and patient-centric approach. As the first point of contact for patients, primary care providers are uniquely positioned to provide ongoing support in this arduous journey.

This article delves into the various ways these medical professionals help patients manage their chronic conditions effectively.

The Role of Primary Care Providers in Chronic Disease Management

Primary care providers play an instrumental role in the continuum of care for patients with chronic diseases. They are often the first to diagnose these conditions, drawing from their broad knowledge of various body systems and medical disciplines. Once a diagnosis has been made, these family medicine providers develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs and circumstances of each patient.

Coordinating Comprehensive Care

Coordinating care among various healthcare providers is one of the key roles of a primary care provider. Given the complex nature of chronic diseases, patients often require specialized care from different medical professionals. As the main healthcare provider, the family medicine provider ensures seamless communication and collaboration among these specialists. This ensures that the care provided is cohesive and effective.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Apart from providing medical care, primary care providers also empower patients to take control of their health. They educate patients about:

  • Their condition
  • The importance of adhering to their treatment plan
  • The lifestyle changes required to manage their disease better

By doing so, they equip patients to navigate their health journey confidently.

Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

Managing chronic conditions is not a one-time event but rather a continuous process that requires regular monitoring and adjustment. Primary care providers regularly assess the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment plan. Then, they make necessary adjustments based on the patient’s progress and needs. They also monitor the patient’s overall health and well-being, identifying and addressing any new health issues that may arise.

How to Find the Best Primary Care Provider

Here are some tips to help you find the best primary care provider in Wellington.

Consider Your Health Needs

First, think about your health needs and which primary care model would suit you best. Understanding your health needs will help you narrow down your search.

Seek Recommendations

Ask your friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers if they have a primary care provider they like and trust. Personal experiences can give you insights into the primary care provider’s approach to patient care, their professionalism, and their expertise.

Research Their Expertise

Look for a primary care provider with expertise that meets your health needs. If you have a specific chronic condition, you may want to find a provider who specializes in treating that condition. Also, consider the primary care provider’s approach to healthcare.

Location and Accessibility

Consider the location of the primary care provider’s office. Is it close to your home or work? Does the office offer evening or weekend hours to accommodate your schedule?

Review Their Credentials

You can check if a primary care provider is in good standing with your state’s licensing agency through websites run by administrators of several state medical boards. You want a primary care provider who has a clean record and is board-certified.

When to See Your Primary Care Provider

Primary care providers are not just for annual check-ups or when you’re feeling unwell. They play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and managing chronic conditions.

Regular Health Check-Ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for detecting potential health issues before they become serious. These appointments allow your provider to:

  • Assess your overall health
  • Monitor any existing conditions
  • Screen for risk factors of chronic diseases

Changes in Your Health Status

If you notice any changes in your health, it’s essential to see your primary care provider. This could include:

  • New symptoms
  • Worsening of existing symptoms
  • Changes in your physical or mental well-being

Early detection of health issues often leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Managing Chronic Conditions

Do you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma? If so, regular visits to your primary care provider are crucial. These visits allow your provider to:

  • Monitor your condition
  • Adjust your treatment plan as needed
  • Provide ongoing support to help you manage your health

Medication Refills or Adjustments

If you take prescription medication, you’ll need to see your primary care provider for refills. These appointments also give your provider the opportunity to assess how well the medication is working.

Preventive Care

Preventive care visits, such as immunizations and screenings, are another reason to see your primary care provider.

Lifestyle Advice

Your primary care provider can provide valuable advice on lifestyle changes to improve your health. This can include guidance on:

  • Nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Stress management
  • Other aspects of healthy living

Top Primary Care Provider Near You in Wellington, FL

In the face of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the role of primary care providers in managing these conditions is more critical than ever. Through their expertise, commitment, and patient-centric approach, they provide ongoing support to patients. They help people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives despite their chronic conditions.

Looking for the top primary care provider near you in Wellington? You can rely on the highly skilled and experienced healthcare providers at Advanced Medical. Led by Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, our team will make sure you get the best care for your chronic condition. You may reach out to our friendly staff today at (561) 434-1935. You can also book a visit with the best primary care provider in Wellington with our secure online appointment request form.

We look forward to helping you manage your chronic condition!

Facts About Primary Care Providers

Primary care providers are the first line of defense in maintaining a healthy population. They are often the first healthcare professionals individuals turn to when they experience health concerns or seek preventative care. A primary care providers’ role is essential in promoting wellness, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care among specialists when needed.

Let’s explore some interesting facts about primary care providers and where you can find the best primary care provider in Wellington, FL.

Education and Training

Primary care providers undergo extensive education and training before they can practice medicine.

After completing a four-year undergraduate degree, aspiring providers attend medical school for another four years. Following medical school, providers must complete a residency program. This typically lasts between three and seven years, depending on the specialty.

Primary care providers usually choose one of three main specialties. That includes family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics. However, they can also choose other medical tracks.

The Importance of Primary Care

Primary care providers serve as the cornerstone of a healthy community. They provide comprehensive, continuous patient care and have a broad knowledge of various medical conditions.

Some of the key roles of primary care providers include:

Preventative Care

Primary care providers emphasize the importance of prevention. They do so through regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for various diseases.

By identifying potential health risks early, they can help patients make lifestyle changes. These factors help reduce the chances of developing serious health issues.

Chronic Disease Management

Primary care providers play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions. Diabetes, hypertension, and asthma are examples of these conditions.

They help patients:

  • Decide on treatment plans
  • Monitor progress
  • Adjust medications as needed to keep symptoms under control

Coordination of Care

Primary care providers serve as the central point of contact when a patient requires specialized care.

They coordinate referrals to specialists and ensure that all healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care are on the same page.

Patient Education

Primary care providers educate patients about their:

  • Health conditions
  • Treatment options
  • How to maintain a healthy lifestyle

This empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare.

Primary Care in the United States

Primary care providers are vital in maintaining public health. But the United States is currently facing a shortage of these professionals.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the country could experience a shortfall of between 37,800 and 124,000 primary care providers by 2034.

Several factors contribute to this shortage, including:

  • An aging population with increasing healthcare needs
  • A growing number of providers retiring
  • A limited number of medical school graduates choosing primary care specialties

One possible solution to this shortage is the increased utilization of nurse practitioners and provider assistants in primary care settings.

Both NPs and PAs have advanced training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. They can help alleviate some of the workload from primary care providers.

In many states, these healthcare professionals can practice independently, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests.

The Role of Telemedicine in Primary Care

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for primary care providers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More patients and providers have become comfortable with virtual visits. Telemedicine can help increase access to primary care services, especially for those living in rural areas or with limited transportation options.

Telemedicine allows primary care providers to provide care remotely. This reduces the need for in-person visits for routine check-ups and follow-ups.

This can lead to more efficient use of resources and potentially lower healthcare costs.

Additionally, telemedicine can help primary care providers monitor patients with chronic conditions more closely and intervene earlier when issues arise.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

Looking for the best primary care providers near you in Wellington? You can trust the trained and experienced healthcare providers at Advanced Medical Clinic, the top Wellington family practice. Our team of dedicated, compassionate, board-certified providers is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have flu or need help managing chronic conditions like diabetes, you can rely on our team.

To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call our friendly staff today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our secure online appointment request form.

How a Primary Care Provider Can Help with Preventative Care

One of the most important roles of a primary care provider is to provide preventive care. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the best way to stay healthy is to avoid illness in the first place. That is why primary care providers play a critical role in keeping their patients healthy by providing preventive care.

Regular Check-Ups

One of the best ways to prevent illness is by regularly visiting a primary care provider for a check-up. Your primary care provider can detect early signs of health problems and recommend interventions to address them before they become serious health issues. During a check-up, your primary care provider will review your medical history, ask you questions about your health, and may perform some tests, such as a blood pressure check, a cholesterol test, and a physical examination.

Identifying Early Signs of Diseases

During check-ups, providers can monitor the health of patients, identify any changes in their health, and detect early signs of diseases. Diagnosing a disease in its early stages provides a better chance of managing it, improving the quality of life for the patient and, in some cases, saving their life. For example, early detection of cancer or diabetes can lead to effective treatment to prevent it from spreading and causing further complications.

Managing Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Regular check-ups are especially important for patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and hypertension. During these check-ups, providers can monitor health status, conduct necessary tests, adjust medications, and make recommendations to improve care. Managing these conditions can reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, which can result in hospitalization.

Preventing New Illnesses

Counseling patients on ways to reduce their risk factors for illnesses, such as smoking cessation, can reduce the development of new medical conditions. For example, during a wellness examination, providers can discuss the importance of exercise, healthy eating habits, and stress management.

Improving Patient Engagement and Satisfaction

When patients understand their health status, they are more likely to follow through with recommended treatments and make positive lifestyle changes. In turn, this leads to higher patient satisfaction and improved overall health outcomes. Regular check-ups help to build a relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider and provide an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion of the patient’s health history, health goals, and current status.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are developed to offer protection against infectious diseases that can pose a threat to our lives. Regular vaccinations are the most effective way to treat and prevent such diseases. Vaccinations work by preparing the immune system to fight against a particular disease by creating antibodies. This immunity helps to keep you healthy and prevent the spread of infectious diseases to others.

Vaccinations are essential for preventing the spread of deadly diseases like polio, measles, chickenpox, mumps, hepatitis, and many other infectious diseases. Failure to vaccinate can lead to the spread of disease and sometimes even result in outbreaks that can be fatal. Moreover, they can also help you get vaccination for a specific purpose like travelling abroad.

Cancer Screening

Every year, more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed, and it is estimated that nearly 609,000 people die due to its complications. However, we also know that early screening can help identify cancer in an individual before it gets a chance to spread. As such, cancer screening plays a significant role in preventive care.Cancer screenings can identify the presence of cancer in people with no symptoms that could lead to an early diagnosis.

Counseling

One aspect of primary care that often goes overlooked is counseling. People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Counseling is a valuable tool primary care providers can use to help their patients improve their mental health as well.

Primary care providers can help patients manage their mental health by coordinating counseling and/or medications. These interactions can also help patients manage stress, improve their coping skills, and develop healthier habits.

Primary Care Near Me 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 family medicine providers, is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have a flu or need help managing chronic conditions like diabetes, you can rely on our team at Advanced Medical Clinic.

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

How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

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

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

Tip#1 Start by Asking People You know

Finding the best primary care provider 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 providers in a journal and research them to narrow down the list.

Tip #2 Get Help from Your Insurance Provider

A primary care provider 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 providers who come under your plan. You can also search for the name of your potential primary care provider on your insurance provider’s website.

You must choose a primary care provider 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 providers you have in hand. You must find out about the education, training, experience,and accreditation of all the primary care providers on your list.

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

Tip #4 Know What Other People Say About the Provider

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

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

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

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

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

Primary Care in Royal Palm Beach

If you’re looking for a highly skilled and trained family medicine provider, 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 providers, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment by filling out our online form.