New year, new health goals. Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider today

The start of a new year is a great time to revisit your health goals and schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. With DOs, MDs, NPs and PAs, there are many types of BCH Primary Care Providers (PCPs) who can help you stay healthy. But who are all these providers? And what training do they have?

What is a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?

A PCP is a physician (MD or DO) or an Advanced Practice Provider (NP or a PA) who acts as the main point of contact for a patient in our health care system. When you think about the familiar “doctor” that you may go see for an annual wellness visit, you are generally referring to your PCP.

The physicians (MD and DO)

The term “physician” refers to two slightly different medical degrees: MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Their training is similar in that both go through four years of medical school, another three to seven years in a residency program at a clinic or hospital and then perhaps additional training in a fellowship program.

But they differ in a few key areas. MDs treat and diagnose conditions using conventional options such as prescription drugs and surgery (also referred to as allopathic medicine). DOs use the same conventional options as MDs but tend to focus more on holistic health and prevention (also referred to as osteopathic medicine), considering in their treatment all parts of a person: mind, body and emotions. They may also use Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique to diagnose and treat the body.

Overall, you can expect the same standard of care from an MD or DO at BCH.

The advanced practice providers (APPs): NPs and PAs

BCH also has Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) who serve as primary care providers, also known as advanced practice providers. Essential members of our healthcare team, who are they and what is their role in your care?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs and FNPs) are clinicians with advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate) and specialized clinical training. Like physicians, they focus on a patient-centered model, emphasizing long-term health and disease prevention. They can diagnose conditions, treat illnesses and prescribe medications.

Many people associate midwives solely with pregnancy, but at BCH our Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are also NPs. This means that they can serve as primary care providers specializing in “well-woman” care. From your annual physical to menopause management, CNMs offer a holistic primary care option for women at any stage of life.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Their education and practice emphasizes patient education, preventive care and chronic care management. Within primary care, they practice medicine in a collaborative environment with physicians, allowing for a team-based approach to managing your health, especially when making complex decisions.

PCP overview

Family Medicine vs. Internal Medicine: What’s the difference?

Regardless of the provider you choose, there are two types of Primary Care: Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. The main difference between these options is that Internal Medicine providers see only adults, and Family Medicine provider see adults and children.

If you are over the age of 18, you may choose an Internal Medicine or Family Medicine provider no matter your family status, and can expect the same high quality care from both specialties.

Schedule an appointment with a PCP today

Ready to find your partner in health? BCH is here for you. Start the new year with a plan. Find your primary care provider with our new Provider Finder here.