What is primary care?
Primary care is a medical specialty that treats most acute and chronic illnesses, except for the very rare ones. In addition, it offers preventive health services, immunizations, and laboratory testing.
At Charis Medical Center, Dr. Akamangwa is passionate about combining primary care with his Christian faith. By merging prayer and traditional Western medicine, he’s able to treat body, mind, and spirit.
What are the types of primary care?
There are several specialties under the primary care umbrella, including:
Internal medicine
Internal medicine provides comprehensive healthcare for people 18 and older. Some of the most common conditions that internal medicine treats include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Family medicine
Family medicine provides primary care to people of all ages, from children to adults. Family medicine doctors like Dr. Akamangwa can treat every member of your family under one roof.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
Obstetrics and gynecology is a branch of primary care that offers prenatal care, family planning, and other women’s health services. You can visit an OB/GYN to undergo a Pap smear or mammogram or to update your birth control.
Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a type of primary care that works with individuals who are 65 and older. Geriatricians specialize in the treatment of age-specific health problems, including osteoporosis, dementia, and arthritis.
What happens during a primary care appointment?
No two primary care appointments are exactly alike. Dr. Akamangwa tailors each visit to your individual needs and desires.
Typically, an appointment starts with a review of your health history and a comprehensive physical exam. Dr. Akamangwa then asks questions about your lifestyle, including if you exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol.
Depending on your age and current condition, Dr. Akamangwa might order laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging. He can also update your immunizations, refill your prescription medication, or answer any questions.
Ultimately, the goal of primary care is to promote good health and improved quality of life.
How frequently should I invest in primary care?
Dr. Akamangwa recommends you schedule a primary care appointment at least once a year, especially if you’re 50 or older.
Regular visits to Charis Medical Center can alert you to potentially serious problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. They also present an opportunity to build a relationship with Dr. Akamangwa.
Request your primary care consultation at Charis Medical Center today. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff.
