Family Medicine

To maximize your time and that of your primary care provider, take a few minutes to prepare a list of questions and to gather and bring needed information, including:

• Insurance (private/commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid card)
• Valid photo ID
• Co-payment (consult your insurance provider)
• List of current medications
• Changes in your medical history
• Questions for your doctor

Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed to prescribe medications, diagnose and treat illness and disease. They have completed advanced education and extensive clinical training and work in collaboration with a licensed physician. As part of your integrated medical team, PAs are critical to increasing access to care by expanding the capacity of physician practices across the country.

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical education and experience in the care of the sick and diagnosis, treatment, and management of common and chronic illnesses. NPs are an essential part of today’s care team. They can diagnose and treat medical conditions, administer vaccinations and prescribe medications. NPs promote holistic health and wellness, emphasizing health education, risk identification and reduction, and preventive care through lifestyle modification.

Because of growing time demands on physicians and doctors’ shortage in numerous specialties, both PAs and NPs provide a high quality, skilled and practical option for many of your health care needs.

Often, urgent care is the most appropriate and efficient option for care for your illness or injury. But how do you know whether to visit the hospital emergency room, urgent care, or walk-in clinic? Knowing the difference and where to seek treatment could save your life in an emergency.

A person may visit the emergency room when their doctor’s office isn’t open, or immediate care is needed. Some physician offices now offer same-day appointments for care. Crisp Regional Convenient Care is also an option when appointments are unavailable or if you need treatment outside of office hours.

If your symptoms develop gradually or you already know the diagnosis, such as a urinary tract infection, a same-day appointment with your personal physician might be your best option. While Crisp Regional Convenient Care is always an option, your personal physician is often your best resource because he/she knows your overall health.

Any life- or limb-threatening illness or injury should always seek treatment at the Emergency Department (ED).