Understanding Your Care
At Martin’s Point, we provide patient-centered care through a team-based approach, designed to create trusting relationships that help patients reach their health goals.
Where to Start: Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) is the best place to start when you need any kind of health care.
They can take care of your preventive care, diagnose illnesses, and help you find the right specialists when you need them. They’ll help you navigate the health care system so you can concentrate on your health.
A PCP is usually board certified in either internal (adult) medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics, though gynecologists can also be PCPs.
Your PCP is your main point of contact for getting health care services, so it's important you find a provider who you trust and feel comfortable with.
Most health insurance plans allow you to switch PCPs whenever you want, so you can always change your mind, too.
Be sure to search your health plan's provider directory.
Most health insurance plans have a network of providers you must use to get the best rates. By using an in-network provider whenever possible, you’ll spend much less on your health care services.
Each Martin’s Point provider profile includes qualifications and patient satisfactory ratings to help you choose the PCP who is right for you.
Nurse practitioners are licensed to practice medicine as independent primary care providers.
They have advanced knowledge, skills, and educational degrees (masters or doctorate), plus a background founded on nursing principles. They focus on health promotion and education, as well as illness and injury prevention and treatment.
At a Martin’s Point Health Care Center, you’ll benefit from a variety of trained health care professionals who are committed to giving you excellent care.
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): An MD diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses and helps patients stay healthy by counseling them on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): A DO has similar training and the same responsibilities as a medical doctor, with added emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, prevention, and holistic care.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs are registered nurses with advanced training and skills. Like a primary care physician, NPs provide diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries, disease management, health promotion and education, and preventive health services. In some states, NPs may serve as primary care providers (PCPs).
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are NPs who care for patients across the full lifespan.
- Physician Assistant (PA): PAs practice medicine under the direction and supervision of physicians and surgeons. They are trained to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses.
- Registered Nurse (RN): An RN supports the care team by providing and coordinating patient care, and educating and supporting patients and their families.
Find information on appointments, health insurance, and billing. Access documents and other forms to help manage your care.