Conditions Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) Can Treat

Whether you have arthritis, a sports injury, or diabetes, your PCP can help.

PCPs treat many health issues and injuries. They treat people of all ages, genders, and states of health.

Here are some types of care PCPs offer and health issues we can treat.

General and Preventive Care

It's vital to see a PCP once a year, even if you feel healthy.

During your yearly exam, your PCP can check your general health and update your vaccines. And they can catch any minor problems before they become more serious.

General and preventive care includes:

• Blood tests.
• Health screenings.
• Preventive care.
• Sports and school physicals.
• Vaccines.
• Yearly physicals.

Urgent Conditions Your PCP Can Treat

You may contact your PCP for sudden or short-term health issues or injuries. A family medicine or internal medicine doctor has training in many areas.

They can treat health issues such as:

• Colds, coughs, sore throats, and the flu.
• Ear infections.
• Insect bites.
• Minor injuries.
• Skin problems, like rashes.
• Sports injuries.
• Sprains, bumps, and bruises.
• Urinary tract infections.

Find information on prevention, healing, and treating everything from the common cold to the influenza virus on UPMC HealthBeat.

Chronic Conditions Your PCP Can Treat

Your PCP can treat many chronic health issues. These are long-term illnesses and disorders that you need to manage on a day-to-day basis.

You may also see an expert for some of these, but they will consult with your PCP:

• Allergies.
• Arthritis and other joint and bone disorders and injuries.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart failure.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Obesity.
• Skin issues, like acne or eczema.
• Substance use disorder.

Women's Health Concerns

Your PCP can diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive organs. In addition, you can see an ob-gyn, but your PCP can help manage care.

Some of the women's health conditions your PCP treats include:

• Menopause.
• Osteoporosis.
• Postpartum depression.
• Thyroid problems.
• Urinary incontinence.

Some tests and services your PCP may offer:

• Birth control.
• Pap tests.
• Preconception planning.
• Prenatal care.

Learn more about women's health topics from UPMC HealthBeat.

Men's Health Concerns

Men can also have reproductive health issues. Talking to your trusted PCP about these issues is often easier.

Your PCP can diagnose and treat:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Urinary incontinence.

Learn more about men's health topics from UPMC HealthBeat.

Lung Disorders Your PCP Can Treat

Many people struggle with chronic lung problems.

Your PCP can oversee your treatment for:

• Asthma.
• Chronic bronchitis.
• COPD.

Mental Health Issues

Your primary care doctor is a good resource for many mental health concerns. They know your lifestyle and health history.

A PCP can help you with issues such as anxiety and depression.

They can also refer you to a mental health expert.

Learn more about mental health topics from UPMC HealthBeat.

Other Conditions PCPs at UPMC Treat

PCPs also provide care for the following disorders and conditions:

• Fibromyalgia.
• GERD.
• Norovirus. Learn more about norovirus from UPMC HealthBeat.
• Stomach flu.
• Stomach ulcers.

Make An Appointment With a UPMC Primary Care Doctor

Find a UPMC PCP location near you to make an appointment.