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Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ primary care provider (PCP) is there for you, whether you’re feeling under the weather or need an annual physical exam. Building a long-term relationship with your PCP supports you in creating a life you love throughout every age and stage of life.
But there may come a time when you face a new diagnosis or condition that requires specialized care. That’s when your PCP will refer you to a specialist. For example, if you’re dealing with an ongoing skin issue or need a skin cancer screening, your PCP will refer you to a dermatologist. Or if during your annual well check, your PCP detects a heart murmur or irregular heartbeat, they’ll send you to see a cardiologist.
But no matter what type of care you need, your PCP and specialist will work together with a multidisciplinary approach, treating your whole person in body, mind and spirit.
Your PCP is your go-to doctor for any non-life-threatening situation. They’re who you go to when you’re not feeling well or if you’ve noticed new symptoms you can’t explain. And your PCP is also who you see for preventive health needs.
There are different types of PCPs, like the following:
No matter what type of PCP you see, their main health care responsibilities include the following:
Specialists focus on one specific area or organ of the body, or a specific disease.
Your PCP may provide an in-network referral when you need specialized care.
Common types of health care specialists include:
Health Care Focus
Role in Your Care
Patient-Doctor Relationship
Cost
Still not sure when you would see your primary care doctor or a specialist?
You would see a PCP if you:
You would see a specialist if you:
If you receive a referral to a specialist, remember that your AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP is still part of your health care team. They’ll be with you at every step.
Before giving you a referral, your PCP will speak with you about why they feel you may require the expertise of a specialist. From there, they’ll walk you through picking the right specialist and answering any questions you may have about the process.
Your PCP stays in constant contact with your specialist to provide them with your medical history and to help them come up with the best treatment plan possible, giving you coordination of care.
While your specialist provides expert care for your specific needs, your PCP is also there to deliver annual wellness exams, diagnose and treat acute illnesses like the flu and treat ongoing conditions.
PCPs and specialists are both health care professionals who each play an important role in your overall well-being. While your PCP offers a lasting relationship focused on your whole health, specialists are there to provide hyper-focused care for conditions that may impact a specific area of the body, or a specified disease such as cancer.
We encourage you to build a solid relationship with your AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP for your long-term health, which will help give them the information they need, if one day you do require a specialist’s care.
And if you do receive a referral to a specialist, it’s important to follow through by making and attending all necessary appointments for the best health outcome possible.
If you believe you may need to see a specialist, schedule an appointment with an AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP or use our online search tool to find a doctor close to home.
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