What Services Does a Primary Care Physician Provide?

Primary care physicians provide a broad range of medical services, and they support long-term health and early disease detection. From routine screenings to hormone therapy, these providers serve as the foundation of preventive and ongoing care for patients across all stages of life. Here is more information about services that a primary care doctor may offer:

Understanding Cancer Screening Services

A primary care physician can perform or coordinate cancer screenings, which are tests that look for cancer before symptoms develop. Cancer is easier to treat in its early stages, and different screenings target different types of cancer:

Breast cancer: Mammograms detect abnormal tissue in the breast.
Cervical cancer: Pap smears and HPV tests identify precancerous cells in the cervix.
Colon cancer: Colonoscopies and stool-based tests screen for polyps or tumors in the colon.
Lung cancer: Low-dose CT scans are recommended for high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers.
Prostate cancer: PSA blood tests measure prostate-specific antigen levels in men.

Blood test cancer screenings are a growing area of preventive medicine. During a blood test screening, a physician draws a sample of blood and sends it to a laboratory, where technicians analyze it for biomarkers that may indicate cancer. These tests are minimally invasive, and results are typically reviewed with the patient during a follow-up visit.

Exploring Electrocardiogram Testing

An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Physicians use EKGs to detect a range of cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease. The procedure is painless, and a technician places electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs to record heart activity.

EKG results help physicians identify irregular heart rhythms and structural problems. They also show signs that indicate previous cardiac events. Patients with chest pain or shortness of breath may be referred for an EKG as part of their care plan, or a family history of heart disease sometimes warrants this test.

Reviewing Implantable Testosterone Tablets

Implantable testosterone tablets, also known as testosterone pellets, are a form of hormone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone levels. A physician inserts small pellets just beneath the skin, typically in the hip or buttock area, where they slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream over several months. Low testosterone can contribute to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased libido, and mood changes; pellet therapy provides a steady hormone level, which some patients prefer to injections or topical treatments. A physician will evaluate symptoms and lab results to determine whether this therapy is appropriate.

Scheduling Well-woman Exams

A well-woman exam is a preventive health visit that addresses the physical and reproductive health needs of women. These annual appointments give physicians a chance to assess overall health and catch potential concerns early. During a well-woman exam, a physician typically performs:

A physical exam, including blood pressure, weight, and heart and lung checks
A pelvic exam and pap smear, depending on age and health history
A breast exam to check for lumps or abnormalities
Screenings for sexually transmitted infections, if indicated
A review of vaccinations, medications, and family health history

Physicians also use these visits to discuss nutrition and reproductive concerns.

Find a Primary Care Physician

Primary care physicians provide a wide range of services, from cancer screenings and EKG testing to testosterone therapy and well-woman exams. These services support early detection, and they promote long-term health management for both men and women. If you want to learn more about primary care services, consult a primary care physician near you.