What Is a Primary Care Doctor?

A primary care doctor, also called a primary care provider (PCP), is most commonly a physician or nurse practitioner whose mission is to help keep you healthy throughout your lifetime. BJC primary care doctors and nurse practitioners usually fall into one of two subspecialties: family medicine and internal medicine.*

Family Medicine

Family medicine practitioners, as the title implies, are primary care providers who specialize in preventive care and treatment for every member of the family, at any age. This one-stop shop provides families everything from a child’s immunizations to annual well woman exams to treatment for the colds and flus that sweep through a household in no time flat.

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Internal Medicine

Also called internists, internal medicine providers are primary care doctors and nurse practitioners who offer healthcare specifically for adults (aged 18 and older). Internists are uniquely equipped to diagnose, manage and treat a variety of illnesses and chronic conditions in adults. They help patients with preventive care, annual wellness visits, sick visits and may provide other services.

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Virtual Care

Virtual care, also called telehealth, offers convenient, personal video visits with a dedicated virtual BJC doctor or nurse practitioner, 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. Consider virtual care for times when you need immediate, quality care and can’t get in to see your regular primary care provider—such as evenings and weekends. Once you’re set up for virtual care, you can simply use the camera on your smartphone, tablet or computer to speak with a care provider on our telehealth team who can evaluate and diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.

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*Providers listed only include those accepting new patients and offering online scheduling.