Levels of care in medicine refer to the complexity of the medical problems that doctors handle and the providers’ abilities and specializations. Levels are classified into four types. If you need primary care mckinney tx, speak to a healthcare professional today.
When you visit with your primary care physician, you are in primary care. You receive secondary care when you see a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or oncologist. Tertiary care refers to hospital-based specialty care such as heart surgery or dialysis. Quaternary care is a highly specialized degree of care.
As a patient, you may occasionally hear these phrases. Knowing their definitions will help you understand what your doctor says and identify the degree of care you are receiving.
Primary care
The majority of individuals are extremely familiar with primary care. This office is your initial port of call for most of your symptoms and medical concerns. You may seek primary care for the following reasons:
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Illness
You should consult your primary care physician when you discover a new symptom or become ill with a cold, the flu, or another infection.
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Injury
You should also seek primary care if you have a broken bone, a painful muscle, a skin rash, or other serious medical conditions.
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Referral
Furthermore, primary care usually coordinates your treatment among specialists and various levels of care.
You will also likely see a primary care physician (PCP) for routine screenings, general checks, and wellness visits.
Primary care providers can include:
- Physician assistants
- Nurse practitioners
- Doctors
There are also some primary care specialties. Primary care doctors include OB-GYNs, geriatricians, and pediatricians. However, they specialize in caring for a certain set of people.
According to studies, primary care professionals improve the healthcare system by:
- Providing improved health outcomes
- Improved access to healthcare services
- Reduced hospitalization and utilization of emergency departments
Secondary care
When your primary care practitioner sends you to a specialist, you receive secondary care. Secondary care indicates that your doctor has delegated your treatment to someone with more particular experience in the health condition you are facing.
Specialists specialize in a single bodily system or a specific illness or condition. Specialists include the following:
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Cardiologists
Cardiologists are concerned with the heart and blood arteries.
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Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists specialize in hormone systems and disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
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Oncologists
Oncologists are cancer specialists who specialize in treating various types of cancer.
Your insurance provider may demand a reference from your primary care physician before you see a specialist. Speak to an expert to learn more.