A primary care doctor is a medically trained doctor who can prevent, diagnose and treat a broad range of illnesses and injuries in the general population. Primary care doctors can provide comprehensive care by addressing chronic long-term conditions including diabetes, and acute problems including bronchitis, cold, flu, or allergic reactions.
 
They are your first line of medical defense when it comes to your everyday health, with regular checkups and updating of your health background, they will know your medical background best and be able to offer you more in-depth medical care than others.
 
Primary care doctors can practice in a variety of establishments:
 
• Medical clinics
• Private or group practices
• Long-term care facilities
• Outpatient and inpatient hospitals
 
Primary care doctors commonly check for the following during your regular wellness and prevention screenings:
 
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Breast, prostate, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer
• Developmental disorders
• Immunizations
• STI’s
• Depression
• Signs of domestic violence
• Heart disease or other risk factors

Primary care physicians and family doctors are one and the same, there are other types of primary care providers available as well.
 
Primary care physicians or family doctors are physicians that treat patients of all ages, from infants to grandparents. They are medically trained to treat acute illnesses and injuries, and chronic conditions, as well as focus on your overall health and wellness.

Other types of primary care providers include:
 
• Internists (Internal Medicine Physicians)
• Pediatricians (main focus is on children from infancy to early adulthood)
• Geriatricians
• Obstetrician Gynecologists (OBGYN)
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (you may see many clinics that have nurse practitioners and physician assistants that help as they are highly trained medical professionals in primary care and other care)

The easiest thing to start off with can be either doing a simple google search or even asking close family and friends who they go to and if they are accepting new patients.
 
If you plan to do a simple google search, it’s best to always include your location, and which primary care doctor you are wanting to look for. This will help to narrow down the field of primary care doctors in your state.
 
Some items to consider when choosing a primary care doctor can include:
 
Insurance
Do they accept your insurance or any insurance?
 
Location
Where are they located? Is it convenient for you to get to this clinic from your house or place of work?
 
Hours of Operation
Are they open during the hours you will be able to access them easier like evenings, weekends, etc?
 
Language
Do you prefer if the doctor speaks a specific language?
 
Board Certified
 
Online Access
Do they offer online services like telemedicine? Is this important to you?
 
Policies
What policies do they have in place for canceling or rescheduling appointments? Do they have payment plans if they do not accept your insurance?

Again, while a google search will be your best option, you may still have to call around to make sure the clinics are accepting new patients.
 
To make your search even easier, the Medical Office of Katy in Katy is accepting new patients at our clinic!
 
The Medical Office of Katy offers a wide range of primary care services including women’s health, preventative health, chronic disease management, geriatric care and so much more! Call us today to book your appointment to see our doctor, we are located at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite# 320 Katy, TX, 77494, and open when you need us most! Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We serve patients from Katy TX, Park Row TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Brookshire TX, Pittsville TX and Mission Bend TX
 
We look forward to seeing you soon!