You know you can count on your primary care provider when it’s time for your annual physical or when you’re sick with the flu. But maybe you’re not asking them about your other health-related concerns because you think you need to find a specialist.
Before you add another doctor to your team, talk to your primary care provider.
“There’s really no condition you can’t ask a primary care provider about, and that’s one of the reasons I love my job in primary care,” says UNC Health primary care doctor Amir Barzin, DO. “A primary care provider can provide basic support on some things that might surprise you, like gastrointestinal issues, heart-related concerns and kidney disease.”
Here are a few other conditions that you should consider discussing with your primary care provider.
Mental Health Concerns
You may think issues such as depression and anxiety are the exclusive domain of psychiatrists and therapists, but your primary care provider is also there to help—that’s why they ask you about your mood and stress levels during your visit.
“Medical management for depression and anxiety can start in the office of your primary care provider, and some (patients) do really well with what we can offer in our office,” Dr. Barzin says. “We can assess how stable a person’s mood is and connect people to counseling or behavioral therapies if they need them.”
In addition to being able to prescribe medication, some providers may even have mental health offerings available in their office.
Injuries and Pain
Worried that you’ve twisted your ankle and your only option is a trip to urgent care? It’s worth calling your primary care provider’s office first.
“With things like low-level sprains or fractures, your primary care provider may be able to help,” Dr. Barzin says. “Most have access to onsite radiology or imaging, so they can help get you in for a scan, sometimes on the same day.”
Dr. Barzin notes that if you’re in severe pain that can’t be controlled, it’s probably best to head to urgent care or the emergency department.
Skin Issues
If you’ve been meaning to get a mole checked out but haven’t had time to research dermatologists, ask your primary care provider about it.
“We can do a skin check on a mole,” Dr. Barzin says. “Some primary care providers can do a skin biopsy and make a diagnosis on whether something is cancerous and will require a specialist or if it’s totally benign.”
Your primary care provider can also provide first-line treatment for skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, psoriasis and hives.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
While some women prefer to see both an OB/GYN and a primary care provider, it is possible to consolidate that care.
“Primary care providers can do pap smears, contraceptive management and hormone therapy for menopause symptoms,” Dr. Barzin says. “Some have the skill sets for prenatal care, postnatal care and lactation concerns, but that will depend on the provider.”
For men, primary care providers are able to treat erectile dysfunction, test for and treat sexually transmitted infections and answer questions about fertility.
Your primary care provider can make sure you’re getting the right screenings for your age, sex and health history—such as mammograms or prostate cancer screenings.
Lung Conditions
Chronic cough? Tell your primary care provider.
“A primary care provider can evaluate you for lung-related concerns like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” Dr. Barzin says. “A lot of providers are comfortable getting you on the right medications without having to refer you to a specialist.”
If you smoke, your primary care provider can help you quit by referring you to counseling or providing resources for smoking cessation.
Big-Picture Care: Coordination Between Primary Care Providers and Specialists
This isn’t an exhaustive list of what your primary care provider can treat, and it’s important to note that your primary care provider might not have extensive knowledge about every single concern. Dr. Barzin recommends asking your primary care provider when you need a specialist.
“Be open and honest with your primary care provider about what you’re looking for, and they’ll tell you if they feel comfortable managing something or if they have a specialist they’d recommend,” he says. “If people do need to see a specialist, we can get them to the right place.”
You may only need a few visits with a specialist before your primary care provider takes the lead on managing a long-term condition or overseeing your medication needs. And even if you have a few specialists, it’s still important to visit your primary care provider.
“If you need to see a neurologist, we want to make sure those symptoms are treated, but we don’t want to forget about other things,” Dr. Barzin says. “Your primary care provider is going to put the whole picture together for complete care.”
That big picture includes ensuring that you’re meeting all preventive screening guidelines, getting necessary vaccines and readjusting medications if needed.
“We know it can be tough to navigate your health with everything you have going on,” Dr. Barzin says. “Write down the questions you have, and your primary care provider will help you understand what you need.”
If you have questions about your health, talk to your doctor. If you need a doctor, find one near you.