"A primary care physician is a specialist in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics who provides definitive care to the undifferentiated patient at the point of first contact, and takes continuing responsibility for providing the patient's comprehensive care," says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Here at Biggers Family Medicine, in Brandon, FL, our primary care physicians, Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers, provide a number of services to boost the health of their patients—read on to learn more.
Here is a few service your primary care physician can provide:
- Treating Acute Diseases: Acute diseases, like influenza virus and the common cold, come on suddenly and go away in a day or two. When symptoms affect babies, children, and those with weak immune systems, you need to consult your doctor. Symptoms of acute diseases include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, chills, fever, body aches, sore throat, malaise, and nausea.
- Treating Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases last a minimum of three months and can't be prevented by vaccinations. Chronic diseases appear as we age but younger people can get sick as well. Examples of chronic diseases include arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, obesity, and oral health problems.
- Preventative Care: Preventive family medicine maintains a person's health and protects against disease, disability or death. The only way to do this is when patients come in for routine visits. This includes going to your Brandon primary care physician for your child's wellness visits, stay updated on immunizations, routine blood work, blood pressure check, annual pap smears and advice on preventive lifestyle changes.
- Women's Health Care: This type of service focuses on women's needs, like reproductive and sexual health. Women have a higher risk of contracting/developing chronic health issues, like migraines, arthritis, or depression. Women's health care consists of family medical services and screenings, like mammography, hormone therapy, pregnancy and childbirth, reproductive disorders (e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome), osteoporosis, heart disease, bladder health, gynecological checkups, and immunizations.
If you would like to learn more about what Biggers Family Medicine can offer, be sure to call our office in Brandon, FL, today by dialing (813) 655-4646.