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Primary Care

Primary Care

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Not sure who to see? Find a primary care provider at any location who is accepting new patients.

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Find a primary care physician associated with NKC Health and see why families have trusted us with their care for over 60 years. Here, you can choose from a variety of primary care providers at offices located throughout the Northland. Visits are easy to schedule with convenient hours.

A Patient-Centered Medical Home Provider

Trust our team to provide high-quality, cost-effective primary care. We’re a certified Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) provider. That means we focus on your entire well-being. You benefit from best practices and a provider who connects you to care throughout the NKC Health system.

Types of Primary Care Providers

Primary care includes health services that focus on prevention and overall wellness. The primary care doctor you choose is your health partner and guide. Over time, you build a relationship — resulting in more effective care.

 The type of provider you choose depends on your medical condition, your stage of life and whether the provider cares for other family members. All primary care providers are here to serve as your advocate throughout your healthcare journey. It’s important to choose a provider who you feel comfortable discussing personal health issues with and who meets your needs.

Review tips for choosing a primary care provider.

Family medicine providers are trained to care for every member of your family. At NKC Health, our family medicine doctors, physician assistants (PA) and nurse practitioners (NP) provide a lifetime of care for people of all ages — from babies to older adults. Your child can see a family medicine provider instead of a pediatrician.

If you’re an adult (age 18 and older) with a long-term (chronic) medical condition, turn to our internal medicine doctors at NKC Health. Also called internists, these doctors provide preventive care and review conditions that are hard to diagnose. They often treat complex and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol and heart disease. They also work with older adults who have special healthcare needs because of advanced aging.

Choose an NKC Health pediatrician for your child’s growth and development needs. Pediatricians specialize in caring for babies and children up to 18 years old.

At every stage of life, find specialized women’s health services from our obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs). They work with you to promote health and wellness through preventive care. Along with well-woman exams, they support family planning and general reproductive health.

Receive care from a geriatrician, who focuses on long-term care for older adults. Geriatricians have special training in the way our bodies change over time, including how they react differently to medications and long-term (chronic) diseases.

Use a nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) as your primary care provider. They are healthcare professionals who practice under a doctor’s supervision. Both NPs and PAs have advanced education and training. They perform physical exams, treat a range of health conditions and can prescribe medication.

Start with your NKCH & MH primary care provider when you need healthcare support. Primary care providers offer a wide range of services and treatments. Examples include:

  • Imaging, such as X-rays, and lab tests
  • Mental health screenings
  • Physicals for school, camp and sports
  • Preventive care
  • Referrals to specialists when needed
  • Treatment of common short-term (acute) illnesses, such as colds and flu, and long-term (chronic) conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol
  • Vaccinations and immunizations
  • Wellness exams and care for all ages

Along with referrals, your primary care provider also can admit you to the hospital if needed. They work closely with our hospitalists, so your care is consistent and easy to coordinate.

Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) is an important decision. Your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it’s important to choose someone you can work well with and with whom you can build a trusting relationship. When choosing a health professional to oversee your primary care, ask yourself:

  • Do the office hours fit my schedule?
  • Is the office near me?
  • How easy is it to communicate with the office?
  • How far in advance do I have to call for an appointment?
  • Does the medical staff focus on my needs?
  • Does the doctor usually refer to specialists for more focused care?
  • What is the provider's philosophy of care?
  • Does he or she encourage me to participate in decisions about my care?

Ask your friends, neighbors, relatives and other people you trust for referrals. Make an appointment to meet a potential provider to discuss your medical history and health concerns or talk with the practice manager.

Insurance

Before making your choice, review your health insurance coverage to make sure you understand any requirements or limitations.

Find a Provider

Whether you're looking for a family medicine doctor, geriatric doctor, internal medicine doctor or pediatrician, we can help. Our Find a Provider feature makes it easy to find a primary care provider.

Know what to expect at your appointment. Learn about our primary care office locations. Each location page gives you access to registration forms, parking instructions, billing and insurance details, prescription refill information and other resources.

Find a Primary Care Location

Focus more on your health and wellness with NKCH & MH classes. From water fitness to heart-healthy cooking, there’s something for everyone. View our class listings online or call 816.691.5020 for more information.

Subscribe to the NKCH & MH YouTube channel for health education topics and virtual health sessions.