We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Primary Care for Women?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,536
Share

Primary care for women includes visits to a family doctor or an internist as well as appointments to see an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN). People who are not doctors, such as nurse practitioners and physician's assistants, may also be able to provide primary care for women. While some women choose to see a separate primary care provider who is certified in family medicine or internal medicine, some decide to use their OB/GYN as a primary care physician.

The purpose of primary care for women is to monitor a woman's health to help prevent illnesses. A primary care provider can also treat sickness such as a the flu or another disease by prescribing medication. Some primary care providers monitor a woman's chronic illness or work with a doctor who specializes in that illness.

Although an OB-GYN is not technically a primary care provider for women, some women elect to use their OB-GYN as such. Regular pelvic examinations and other gynecological screenings are important for women's health. A woman may decide to use her OB-GYN as a primary care doctor because she sees that physician regularly. Most OB-GYN doctors are not trained in primary care, however, and some prefer that a woman find a separate primary care provider.

A family doctor can provide primary care for women as well. Family medicine doctors train in caring for the entire family, from children to older adults. They may be able to deliver babies as well, though they are not as involved or specialized as an obstetrician.

Unlike a family doctor, an internist is trained only in treating illnesses in adults, not children. Some internal medicine doctors specialize in one area of the body, while others are general practitioners. As part of primary care for women, an internist can help a patient prevent chronic illness as well as treat any illnesses that develop. Usually, internal medicine doctors are not trained to deal with pregnancy or reproductive health problems.

Some women may not even see a doctor as a primary care provider. Other options include seeing a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant for primary care. A nurse practitioner has more training than a registered nurse. She can provide care under the supervision of a doctor and is able to perform tests and screenings, including a PAP smear. In some cases, he or she can prescribe medications. Usually, physician's assistants have a bachelor's or master's degree. They can provide care under supervision, perform tests, and prescribe medications.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-primary-care-for-women.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.