Who is a PCP – Primary Care Physician for Adults?
PCP is a professional doctor who takes care of adults. However, he is not a specialized doctor and treats, diagnoses, and prevents adults from general illness and diseases. These are the ones on whom we instantly rely. Most PCP’s have a degree in medicine. But some of them are nurses and professionals who opt to help physicians.
A routine checkup after the 30s or late 20s is as important as a regular medical examination of a child. Adults must consult a PCP in case they experience cough, rashes, shortness of breath, fever, etc.
Where Do PCP Practice?
In most of the situations, primary care physicians have their clinics or offices to practice. If they don't have their own space to practice, they help in referring you to another specialist. These professionals help in taking decisions regarding treatment after diagnosis of the health concern.
When to Visit ER (Emergency Room)?
The first question you should ask after receiving an injury or feeling sick is: how serious is the condition? Based on that you can decide what measures to take to get better ASAP.
Decisions could be;
- Instantly call your PCP
- Go to the clinic right away
- Go to an ER
When to Consult or Visit a Primary Care Physician?
You might not need to go to see a PCP in some conditions. Why? Because they are not considered something to worry about. These are not some kinds of emergencies. However, you should contact your PCP as soon as you find one or more health concerns.
- Coughing
- Sneezing or wheezing
- High fever
- Rashes
- Allergies
- Tummy ache
- Overall pain in the body
- Ear pain
- Headache or migraine
Even if your PCP is not taking the call or is found busy. Talk to another PCP and make sure your condition is not risky. Remember, there re health conditions that seem normal. But if they have complications, then the average fever can also become fatal.
An adult can also go to the ER in the following health-related problems
- Severe burns
- Choking
- Electric shock
- Seizures that stayed between 3 to 5 minutes
- Injury in the head that causes fainting, passing out, or confusion
- Immobility or no sense of touch due to neck or spine injury
Don’t wait for someone to take you to the ER and call 911 as soon as you experience one of the following medical conditions.
- When the body droops on a side
- Deep and open wounds
- Sickness after inhaling poisonous fumes or smoke
- Losing vision, hearing, speaking, or walking
- Puking or coughing blood
- Immobility because of a broken bone
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain in jaw or arms
- Suicidal thoughts
- Stiffness neck with very highly fever
- Fever that doesn’t get normal even after taking meds
Last Words
In last, we would recommend you to consult a highly trained physician in primary care if you have one or more conditions from the list of health concerns mentioned above.