What is primary care and why is it important?
Primary care is the foundation of your health care. It’s where your health journey starts - and where it continues, year after year. Whether you're sick, managing a chronic condition or trying to stay healthy, your primary care provider (PCP) is your first point of contact.
At Banner Health, our primary care doctors provide care for people of all ages and stages of life. We focus on prevention, early diagnosis and ongoing support so you can feel your best, now and in the future.
What does a primary care provider do?
Your primary care provider is your partner in lifelong health. They get to know your medical history, your lifestyle and your goals - so they can offer care that’s tailored to you.
Here are some of the services a primary care doctor provides:
- Preventive care like annual checkups, screenings and vaccines
- Diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses and injuries
- Chronic condition management (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Referrals to specialists when needed
- Health education and counseling to support your wellness goals
When should you see a primary care doctor?
Primary care is not just for when you're feeling sick. It helps you stay on top of your health and catch issues early. You might see your PCP for:
- Annual wellness visits
- Colds, flu, sore throats or sinus infections
- Allergies or asthma
- Mental health concerns like anxiety or depression
- Immunizations
- Prescription refills
- Managing conditions like high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes
- Preventive screenings based on your age and risk factors
Types of primary care at Banner Health
Banner Health offers several types of primary care to meet your family’s needs:
- Family medicine – Care for people of all ages, from infants to older adults
- Internal medicine – Care focused on adult health
- Pediatrics – Care for children, from birth through adolescence
- Geriatrics – Care focused on older adults and age-related conditions
- OB/GYN – Women’s health, including annual exams and pregnancy care
If you're not sure which provider is right for you, we can help you choose based on your age, health needs and preferences.
Family medicine vs. internal medicine: What’s the difference?
Both family medicine and internal medicine providers offer primary care—but there are some differences:
Understanding primary care credentials
You may notice different letters after a provider’s name. Here’s what they mean - and how they relate to your care.
MD vs. DO
- MD (Doctor of Medicine) – Uses a traditional approach to diagnosis and treatment based on modern medical science.
- DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) – Offers the same services as an MD but with added training in the musculoskeletal system and a whole-person approach to care.
Both MDs and DOs can:
- Diagnose and treat illness
- Prescribe medication
- Order and review lab tests
- Perform physical exams
NP vs. PA
- NP (Nurse Practitioner) – An advanced practice nurse who can work independently, manage chronic illnesses and prescribe medications.
- PA (Physician Assistant) – A licensed provider who works closely with a supervising physician to diagnose and treat patients, order tests and write prescriptions.
All of these providers can deliver excellent primary care. What matters most is finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
Need help choosing the right type of provider?
Picking a PCP can feel overwhelming, especially when you see different credentials and specialties. Visit our blog about primary care titles for a deeper look at what DOs, MDs, NPs and PAs do—and how to decide what’s right for you.
Why choose Banner Health for primary care?
At Banner Health, our primary care providers are here to help you live your healthiest life. We offer:
- Convenient locations
- Same-day and next-day appointments
- Virtual visits
- A full network of specialists and support services
Let us be your partner in lifelong care.
Find a Banner Health primary care provider near you.
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