Primary care

Preventive care

Preventive care refers to care given to help prevent an injury or illness such as a physical examination.

All preventive care is scheduled through your primary care physician. When scheduling preventive care, remember to call your doctor’s office well in advance of when you would like to schedule your appointment. We suggest you call at least 30 days prior to your desired appointment date. Bring all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as your immunization records with you to your appointment.

Routine primary care

Routine primary care refers to treatments for illnesses that aren't life-threatening such as a sore throat, fever, cold or rash.

Routine primary care is scheduled through your primary care physician. To make sure you receive timely service, remember to call ahead when scheduling routine primary care appointments with your doctor. We suggest you call at least four days prior to your desired appointment date. If a follow-up visit is needed, schedule it before you leave your doctor’s office. 

Follow-up care

Follow-up care refers to a visit with your primary care physician to monitor a previously diagnosed condition such as an ear infection.

We recommend making any follow-up appointments within 14 days of your original appointment date. It’s important to keep your follow-up appointments even if you’re feeling better.

Related Items

• Why are preventive services important?
• How quickly can I expect to get a doctor’s appointment?
• What do I need to know about primary care physicians and specialists?
• How to use your HMO benefits