Primary Care & Internal Medicine

What are primary care and internal medicine?

Primary care and internal medicine are preventive measures designed to keep you healthy. Though frequently mentioned together, primary care and internal medicine are different things:

Internal medicine

Internal medicine diagnoses and treats acute and chronic medical issues in adults. If you’re over the age of 18, it’s vital to establish care with a qualified internal medicine specialist. 

Primary care

Primary care refers to various medical procedures designed to keep you healthy. It includes physical exams, immunizations, and sex-specific screenings like Pap tests. 

What services do primary care and internal medicine provide?

KAMcare Health and Wellness offers a wide range of primary care and internal medicine services, including:

Acute care (sick visits)

If you develop a fever or come down with a virus, your KAMcare Health and Wellness provider can determine the underlying cause or write you a prescription for antiviral medication. If necessary, they can even order lab tests, including blood work, urinalysis, or cultures.

Chronic disease management

If you have a chronic medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to visit KAMcare Health and Wellness every few months. Regular checkups can prevent the condition from worsening and educate you on healthy lifestyle changes that you can make at home.

Physical exams

A physical checks in on your general well-being. KAMcare Health and Wellness recommends that all adults schedule a physical annually. During a physical, your provider assesses all aspects of your health, including your skin, internal organs, and reproductive system. 

Sports physicals

Many colleges and universities require students to undergo an exam before the start of a new academic year. After the exam, your KAMcare Health and Wellness provider can fill out paperwork for you to submit to the school’s administrative office.

Wellness exams (preventive screenings)

Wellness exams, or preventive screenings, refer to sex-specific tests like breast, pelvic, and prostate exams. These procedures try to catch cancer in its early stages of development. 

Immunizations

Immunizations teach your immune system to identify pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Your body creates antibodies in response, reducing your risk of severe outcomes.

What if I need more specialized care?

The providers at KAMcare Health and Wellness treat most acute and chronic conditions. If you need more individualized care, your provider can refer you to a nearby specialist and help coordinate treatment.

To establish primary care and internal medicine at KAMcare Health and Wellness, call the office or book online today.