• HOME
• Common Medical Definitions
• General Practice
• Alternative Medicine
• Exercise and General Health
• Hospitals and Health Facilities
• Rehabilitation Services and Resources
• Preventive Care
• Dental Services
• Nutrition and Emergency Services
• Native American Services
• Environmental Safety
• Veteran Services
• Pregnancy
• Children’s Services
• Educational Resources
• Seniors
• Disability Services
• Disease Specific Resources
• Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Dependency and Addictions
• Domestic Violence Resources
• Mental Health
• Health Insurance and Other Financial Options
• End of Life
• Health and Wellness Directory

General Practice

PRIMARY CARE

Most often primary care is provided by a family practitioner, pediatrician, or internal medicine. There are also providers of health care other than physicians who render some primary care services. Such providers may include nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA) who collaborate with physicians. A personal primary care provider serves as the entry point for substantially all of the patient’s medical and health care needs - not limited by problem origin, organ system, or diagnosis. Primary care physicians are advocates for the patient in coordinating the use of the entire health care system to benefit the patient. They may refer patients to specialists as needed.

Physicians may become board certified by completing training in a particular specialty area and passing an examination to demonstrate that he or she has the skills and experience to practice within that specialty. Board certified physicians must maintain their certification by passing periodic examinations. All providers, MD, NP, and PA’s must take continuing medical education courses to remain skilled in their field.

NATUROPATHIC CARE

Naturopathic medicine is primary physician-based health care, which focuses on holistic and natural medicine. Naturopathic physicians (ND’s) follow seven basic principals in the practice of medicine: allow nature to heal, do not harm, find the underlying cause of the disease, treat the whole person, encourage prevention, recognize wellness and function as a teacher.

Naturopathic physicians attend four year post-graduate naturopathic medical schools, take national and state licensing exams, must complete yearly continuing education hours, and are licensed in Montana as primary care family physicians. Many insurance plans cover care provided by a naturopathic physician. Please reference your local yellow pages for a listing of Naturopathic physicians.

MAXIMIZING YOUR VISIT TO A HEALTH PROVIDER

An appointment with a health care provider is an exchange of money or insurance for information on how to take care of your health. This information may include instruction on how to take medications, what symptoms or signs to report, or a special diet to follow. Often there is a lot of information to take in, and keep in mind that you might not be in the best condition to remember everything that is said. Here are some helpful hints on how to maximize your visit:

• Be prepared with information, questions and other observations. Write them down before you go so you don’t forget them, and take notes during the appointment.
• Don’t be intimidated by your doctor. A good doctor is going to take the time to answer your questions.
• Bring along an observer. Two heads are often better than one, especially if you are not feeling well.
• Make sure that you are comfortable with, and understand, the provider’s advice. Good communication is an important part of quality health care.
• If you have any doubts about the provider’s advice, don’t be afraid to ask for a second or even a third opinion. Either ask your provider for the name of a consult or confer with friends and family. A quality professional will welcome a colleague’s viewpoint and advice.
• Ask for reading material or other patient education information. Additional resources help to reinforce and supplement the notes you took during your appointment and might make you feel more confident taking care of yourself at home.