Primary Care - Dignity Health - Atascadero, CA

Primary care includes preventive care, treatment for everyday illnesses, management of ongoing conditions and help with mental and emotional well-being. It also includes health education, follow-up care and coordination with other medical offices. A primary care provider (PCP) offers guidance to help you make informed decisions about your care.

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A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care professional you see for many health concerns. PCPs include family medicine doctors and advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

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Primary care supports your long-term health with regular checkups, preventive screenings and ongoing guidance. Urgent care provides same-day treatment for non-emergency needs, a convenient choice when you can’t wait for an appointment with your PCP. While urgent care is a practical option for immediate needs, primary care is dedicated to your overall, long-term well-being.

An advanced practice provider (APP) is a health care professional who has advanced education and clinical training, allowing them to take on a broader scope of practice and perform tasks traditionally carried out by physicians. This category includes nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).

These professionals play a crucial role in providing health care services, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications and offering preventive care. APPs are essential members of health care teams, contributing to the delivery of comprehensive and accessible patient care.

During your checkup, your doctor or advanced practice provider (APP) will review your health history, discuss your concerns and check your vital signs. This is also a time for routine screenings, vaccinations and lab work. It's an excellent opportunity to address lifestyle topics like sleep, stress and nutrition, as well as any recent life changes. Our goal is to proactively support your long-term health and well-being.

Most family medicine appointments last about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your needs. A routine checkup may be shorter, while visits for multiple concerns or follow-up care may take more time. We will let you know what to expect when you schedule your visit.

Our family and internal medicine providers offer complete care for everyone in your family, from kids to seniors. They're here to help when you're sick and to help prevent illness with routine checkups and screenings. If you ever need a specialist, your provider will help guide you through the process and coordinate your care.

We provide a wide range of services, including:

• Annual wellness visits

• Annual physical exams

• Assessment and referral to medical specialties

• Comprehensive care for common and complex diseases

• Flu shots and immunizations

• Follow-ups after an inpatient hospital visit or outpatient surgery

• Preoperative evaluations

• Mental health counseling

• Nutritional counseling

• Preventive care

• Sick visits

• Weight management

• Well-child care, including regular checkups, physical exams and immunizations

• Well-woman care, including gynecologic exams and pregnancy tests