Providing the Type of Healthcare You Need – When You Need It

Family medicine doctors support the diverse health needs of our patients, their families the community. And where you go for care is important. Choosing the right level of care – family medicine, urgent care or emergency care – based on your symptoms, illness or injury is important in getting the best medical attention available at Skagit Regional Health.

Provide with patientFamily Medicine Doctors are Primary Care Providers for the Entire Family

For most people, primary care providers (PCP) are the first stop for medical care. Board-certified family medicine doctors undergo a three- or four- year residency after medical school and are specially trained to offer medical care for the entire family.

All physicians first complete medical school, but to become family medicine physicians, medical school graduates undertake specialized training in primary care, internal medicine pediatric care to meet their training requirements for family medicine. This clinical specialization across all age groups allows expert care of patients of all ages.

When to see a Family Medicine Doctor

If you or a loved one needs routine medical care, see your family medicine doctor. Our family medicine team can also treat urgent issues that arise during routine office hours. Skagit Regional Health Family Medicine physicians provide a full range of services, including but not limited to:

  • Adolescent care
  • Birth control and IUDs
  • Blood pressure screening
  • Bone density tests (DEXA scans)
  • Care for minor and major illnesses
  • Cholesterol screening
  • Colon cancer screening
  • Diabetes blood glucose testing
  • Family planning
  • Geriatric care
  • Health maintenance exams
  • Immunizations
  • Lab tests
  • Mammogram referrals
  • Management of chronic health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD and thyroid disorders
  • Obstetric care
  • Pap smears
  • Pediatric medicine
  • Physical exams/well visits
  • cancer screening (PSA)
  • Protime Clinic
  • Sports
  • Thyroid screening

Emergency Physicians Provide Acute Intervention

An emergency condition is one that can permanently change your life or health. If you or a loved one has a life-threatening medical emergency, call or text 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department of your local hospital. Emergency departments (emergency rooms or ER) are open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.

Emergency physicians see many patients for a wide variety of emergent needs at the emergency department (ED) or emergency room (ER). Emergency physicians are trained to focus on acute intervention, stabilization episodic care. After diagnosis and treatment, they discharge or transfer the patient for further care with medicine or primary care physician. Emergency physicians are limited providing continued care or ongoing care coordination.

Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions

Life-threatening emergencies, such as a stroke, heart attack, high fever or traumatic brain injury, require a fast trip to the emergency department. For non-life-threatening medical conditions such as the flu, an earache, injury or minor burn, urgent care physicians are available at Skagit Regional Health during and outside of regular business hours for primary care or family medicine doctors. While urgent medical issues are not emergencies, they still need fast medical attention and you do not need an appointment.

Learn More about Family Medicine Care

If you would like to learn more about family medicine care at Skagit Regional Health, please call one of our team members at Skagit Regional Health Family Medicine Services at 360-428-2500.