Primary Care FAQs

Get answers to common questions about primary care at Hattiesburg Clinic.

Primary Care Frequently Asked Questions Overview

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our primary care providers are dedicated to supporting your overall health and well-being. We understand that you may have questions about what to expect when visiting a primary care provider, how to access services and how we coordinate your care. To help you stay informed and confident in managing your health, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about primary care at Hattiesburg Clinic.

What is a primary care physician (PCP)?
Why is it important to have a primary care physician?
Do pediatricians serve as primary care physicians?
How do I know if I have a primary care physician?
Can a nurse practitioner or physician assistant serve as my PCP?
What about my obstetrics & gynecology (OB/GYN) physician?
Can an urgent care doctor be my PCP?
How do I know if my health insurance plan covers primary care physician visits?
How do I find a primary care physician near me?

What is a primary care physician (PCP)?

A primary care physician (PCP), also known as a family medicine doctor, internal medicine doctor, geriatric medicine doctor or pediatrician, is a doctor who helps care for patients’ day-to-day medical needs. These doctors work with patients across Mississippi on an ongoing basis to prevent long-term illness and help patients stay healthy. If advanced care is needed, a primary care physician will coordinate with other doctors in various specialties to help patients get advanced medical care in more specific areas.

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we have primary care physicians in different locations across Mississippi. Additionally, we have more than 50 different medical specialties to provide a wide variety of health care services. Our team of physicians, providers and professional staff works together to take care of you and your family.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician?

Having a primary care physician can help patients stay healthy, recover quicker and prevent illnesses that may arise from undiagnosed conditions. Patients who have a PCP have better coordination of care, therefore resulting in better overall long-term health care.

As primary care physicians get to know their patients over time, it allows the physician to better personalize care to each patient. It also helps physicians identify any issues or warning signs early and monitor changes in a patient’s health over the years.

Additionally, PCPs can help manage many chronic and other ongoing conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. They can also perform minor surgical procedures like mole removal, stitches for cuts and more. When you need a specialist, they can help find the right fit, whether it is for heart disease, lung disease, cancer or any other serious concern.

Do pediatricians serve as primary care physicians?

Yes, Hattiesburg Clinic offers comprehensive, pediatric care from birth through adolescence. Our team offers treatment of illnesses as well as childhood and teen immunizations. Additionally, monitoring a child’s growth and development is a part of the care our pediatricians provide. Our trained pediatricians work closely with the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as clinic specialists to provide quality care for your children.

How do I know if I have a primary care physician?

This health care professional is the person you would typically contact for your day-to-day health care needs. If you do not have a PCP, you can schedule an appointment online or call (601) 261-3518 to find a primary care physician and get your appointment scheduled today.

Can a nurse practitioner or physician assistant serve as my PCP?

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Mississippi all work in coordination with a doctor, to provide primary care for you. While a Hattiesburg Clinic nurse practitioner or physician assistant will not serve as a PCP, they work closely with our physicians in a team-based approach to ensure our patients are getting the care they need when they need it. You do not have to give up seeing your nurse practitioner or physician assistant to also have a primary care physician (PCP) heading your team.

What about my obstetrics & gynecology (OB/GYN) physician?

Many women, especially during their childbearing years, consider their OB/GYN to be their primary care physician. All patients need a primary care “home base” to address the other health issues that arise. We believe you get better care when a primary care “home” is in place before problems arise. While your primary care team can do routine women’s health care, they also work regularly with OB/GYN.

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our goal is to ensure you have both a primary care physician for your day-to-day care and an OB/GYN for your specialty care in women’s health issues.

Can an urgent care doctor be my PCP?

It is not recommended. Urgent care doctors are better suited for immediate sickness, concerns and injuries, but are not set up for a long-term relationship with patients to manage care. Urgent care is for just those needs: urgent. Primary care doctors know their patients and their medical history, so they are better suited for maintaining long-term health, and often can help with urgent illness or injury as well.

How do I know if my health insurance plan covers primary care physician visits?

There are many health insurance plans, and the types of coverage will vary. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information.

How do I find a primary care physician near me?

For patients who are looking for a primary care physician, we have physicians accepting new patients who are just a click away. Visit our New Physician Finder page or call (601) 261-3518 to schedule an appointment and begin your health care journey with the largest, privately-owned multi-specialty clinic, caring for hundreds of thousands of lives in Mississippi.

Locations

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Family Medicine

Collins, MS

Collins Family Practice Clinic

704 S. Fifth St.
Collins, MS 39428

Get Directions

(601) 765-4414

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.