A primary care physician (PCP), sometimes referred to as primary care provider, general practitioner or internist, is a clinician who establishes a long-term relationship with his or her patients (and sometimes the patient’s family) in order to provide preventive care and health education.
A PCP’s role is widespread: diagnose and treat illness and disease, manage complex health conditions, oversee medications and treatments, assist patients coping with stress and/or adjusting to major life events, communicate effectively with other medical specialists, and refer patients to appropriate specialist services as needed.
As the healthcare industry continues to rapidly change, with more and more people enrolling in health insurance plans, patients have more choices available to them when it comes to choosing a physician to see for care.
So, how does the role of a primary care physician differ from that of other doctors in the field?
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What Are the Most Common Mental Disorders?
/in Mental HealthJust like a broken bone, mental illness should be diagnosed and treated. However, it’s estimated that half of those with a mental health disorder never receive the care they need. Mental health problems are extremely common and affect millions of people. Here are some of the most common mental disorders that can affect a person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
**If you feel like you might have a mental health disorder, do not self-diagnose. Instead, reach out to a mental health service provider.
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What Does a Chiropractor Do? Understanding Chiropractic Care.
/in Chiropractic CareChiropractors are health care professionals who treat patients by manually manipulating the spine and joints, helping to complement many aspects of traditional medical care. The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerves and surrounding tissue, which affects the function of other parts of the body. A chiropractor is also certified to diagnose injuries or conditions that affect your body’s ability to move freely and painlessly.
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The Role of a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
/in Primary CareA primary care physician (PCP), sometimes referred to as primary care provider, general practitioner or internist, is a clinician who establishes a long-term relationship with his or her patients (and sometimes the patient’s family) in order to provide preventive care and health education.
A PCP’s role is widespread: diagnose and treat illness and disease, manage complex health conditions, oversee medications and treatments, assist patients coping with stress and/or adjusting to major life events, communicate effectively with other medical specialists, and refer patients to appropriate specialist services as needed.
As the healthcare industry continues to rapidly change, with more and more people enrolling in health insurance plans, patients have more choices available to them when it comes to choosing a physician to see for care.
So, how does the role of a primary care physician differ from that of other doctors in the field?
Read more
The Pros and Cons of Workplace Drug Testing
/in Addiction HelpIn today’s workplace culture, testing for drug use has become increasingly popular. Workplace drug testing comes in three forms: pre-employment drug testing, a random drug testing program, or when used to test employees if the employer has a reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.
Reasonable suspicion comes in a number of forms, but often employers choose to drug test an employee if they receive credible information concerning that particular employee having a drug problem (or after a workplace accident/constant absenteeism).
Proponents of workplace drug testing cite lowered accident and injury rates and overall positive results as the number one benefit of screening job candidates for drugs.
While it is true that many on-the-job accidents are caused by alcohol and substance abusers, opponents argue that these injuries can actually increase when workers feel compelled to abuse drugs while at work to keep up with their non-using peers.
Drug testing in the workplace doesn’t just help identify individuals under the influence of drugs. It can also provide proof of a worker’s commitment to a drug-free workplace and the safety of fellow employees and the public. The way in which companies implement their drug testing policies can vary, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of drug testing from an employer’s perspective.
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Acupuncture: An Overview
/in AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body. The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) says that acupuncture is often used for chronic pain.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions, from back pain and migraines to allergies and skin problems. It can also help treat anxiety and depression, as well as certain painful symptoms that occur with cancer treatment. Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points along the body known as acupoints, and after being inserted into the body, these needles can be moved or twirled to stimulate the desired acupoint.
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