Primary Care

A primary care doctor is your main partner for staying healthy. They handle yearly checkups, vaccines, prescriptions, and refills. They also help you manage ongoing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Because they know your health history, they can spot problems early. When you need a specialist, they connect you to the right one.

All three are types of primary care. Family medicine doctors care for patients of all ages, from babies to older adults. Internal medicine doctors care for adults only, ages 18 and above. Pediatricians care for children and teens, from newborns to age 17.

Yes. Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group has pediatricians who care for children from birth through age 17. Our family medicine providers also see children two years and older.

Switching is simple. First, choose a provider who is accepting new patients and book your first visit. Then sign a records release form so your new office can request your records from your past doctor. Your new doctor will review your history so your care stays on track.

New patients can usually get an appointment within the next day. Appointment availability is different for every physician. Some have next-day appointments while others may have a longer wait.

We accept most insurance plans. See the full list of accepted plans on our website. Before your visit, call your insurance company to make sure your provider is in network.

You’re an established patient once you’ve had a visit with a provider in the practice. Most offices keep that status as long as you’ve been seen within the past three years. Established patients often have an easier time getting appointments, including same-day visits.

Yes, in most cases. Established patients can often get a same-day visit for illnesses like a sore throat, fever or rash. Call your provider’s office early in the day for the best chance at an opening. We also offer walk-in and urgent care.

See your primary care doctor for checkups, ongoing conditions, refills and illnesses that can wait a day or two. Urgent care is a good choice for minor illnesses or injuries, like a sprain or small cut, when your doctor’s office is closed or can’t see you soon. For serious symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor, and others don’t. Even when you don’t need one, your doctor can help you find the right specialist and share your health history with them.

Most adults should see their primary care doctor at least once a year for a checkup. You may need more visits if you have an ongoing condition like diabetes. Babies and young children need checkups more often as they grow. Your doctor will help you set a schedule that fits your health.