What is a primary care physician or “PCP” and why do I need one?
Courtesy Dallas Medical Specialists, North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine
Your PCP is your main doctor and takes care of you as a whole person both in sickness and in maintaining your health. For instance, if you had a sore throat and a fever you would seek out your primary care physician to diagnose and treat the problem. Primary care physicians are also active in preventative health activities such as annual physical examinations, vaccinations, mammograms, etc. PCPs often manage chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol. Your primary care physician also helps you to get the right specialty care. If your PCP was concerned about your heart, they may refer you to a heart specialist.
What kinds of doctors are primary care physicians?
Primary care physicians are often family practice physicians “FPs” board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Primary care physicians are also often general internal medicine physicians board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Sometimes gynecology physicians are considered PCPs.
Who is an internal medicine physician or “internist”?
“An internal medicine doctor––simply put––is a doctor for adults. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings––no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. When other medical specialists, such as surgeons or obstetricians, are involved, they coordinate their patient’s care and manage difficult medical problems associated with that care.Internists can choose to focus their practice on general internal medicine, or may take additional training to “subspecialize” in one of 13 areas of internal medicine. Cardiologists, for example, are doctors of internal medicine who subspecialize in diseases of the heart.”1 General internal medicine physicians are often considered primary care physicians.
Dallas Medical Specialists Welcomes, Anna-Her Y. Lee, MD
Anna-Her Y. Lee, M.D., grew up in the Gulf Coast area of Texas. She started her medical training at Saint George’s University School of Medicine and finished her internal medicine residency at Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences. Prior to joining Dallas Medical Specialists, Dr. Lee practiced in the greater Houston area of Texas
Dr. Lee comes from a family of doctors. Her grandfather’s and father’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to patients inspired her to pursue a career as an internal medicine physician. She enjoys the diversity of treating both acute and chronic illnesses and forming long-term relationships with her patients. Her goal is to help others live longer by providing the best medical practices. Dr. Lee has a special interest in preventive medicine, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and well-woman exams.
During her personal time, Dr. Lee can be found curled up in the library reading or organizing special memories by scrapbooking.
Whether you’re looking for a primary care physician, or if you just need a checkup, you may schedule an appointment to see Dr. Lee by calling 972-566-6000.
