Primary care physician

A primary care physician is a doctor who works outside the hospital. Most other physicians work in hospitals. A primary care physician works in a solo or group practice in a town or city.

A primary care physician is usually the first point of contact when someone becomes ill. The physician monitors patients' medical histories and has broad general medical knowledge. This allows the physician to help in many cases or refer patients to a medical specialist.

Advantages of a primary care physician over a medical specialist

A major advantage is that the primary care physician knows the patient's medical history. The physician also knows about the patient's living environment, including the family situation. A medical specialist does not know the patient's entire background.

Making an appointment with a primary care physician

To make an appointment, call the practice where the physician works. The medical assistant schedules the appointment. They often ask about the complaint to gain a better understanding of its severity. You are not required to tell the medical assistant. The physician assesses the complaint and, when possible, treats it immediately with advice, medication or a minor procedure. Otherwise, the physician refers you to a specialist.

Primary care in the evening or on weekends

In an emergency during evenings or weekends, you can contact the out-of-hours primary care service. This is a location where a primary care physician works outside normal hours and serves a larger region. Physicians from the region take turns working there. A medical assistant answers the phone and assesses the complaint. If advice is sufficient, the assistant provides it, and all advice is reviewed by the physician.

Registering with a new primary care physician

You can register with any primary care physician who is accepting new patients. You are always allowed to change physicians. It is important to feel comfortable with your own physician.

A full-time primary care physician may treat up to 2095 patients (2020 figures). Once this number is reached, you cannot register with that physician. The physician must also work in the region where the patients live so that home care can be provided when necessary.