Primary Care Services

The following is a list of 7 primary care medical services available for patients in the Primary Clinic:

1. Preventive services

Many primary care doctors provide health promotion and education to help prevent illnesses or diseases. This may also include administration of vaccines to prevent the epidemic occurrence of diseases such as COVID-19, Influenza, Measles, Varicella, Hepatitis A & B, Mumps, Rubella and to prevent either fatal or painful complications from diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Pneumonia and Herpes zoster (Shingles).

2. Proper disease diagnosis

Primary care doctors can do physical exams or order lab tests to diagnose diseases or other illnesses.

Interpretation of laboratory work-ups and diagnostic procedures such as CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis, fecalysis, ECG and x-rays to confirm the diagnostic considerations for a patient is essential for this service. Diagnostic procedures also include doing nasal, nasopharyngeal or throat swabs for collection and submission of specimens to confirm illnesses such as COVID-19, Influenza, RSV and Strep throat infections

3. Ongoing care for common illnesses

Primary care doctors can continue to see a patient to treat their illnesses and diseases once they are diagnosed. Treatment can be provided for minor illnesses, such as colds, ear pain, bug/insect bites, minor cuts or wounds, skin rash, strep throat, UTIs.

Patients with common diseases such as DM and hypertension can be regularly monitored in the Primary Clinic for assessment of control of their blood glucose and BP. Coordination with the Nutritionist for diet education and promotion of the appropriate diet is needed to ensure good control.

4. Caring for chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis

Many primary care physicians work with other specialists when it comes to more severe conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Patients who were previously confined at the LBJTMC and those who were referred off-island can be followed-up in the Primary Clinic for maintenance and refill of their medications and reassessment of their medical condition. However, the specialist will keep the primary care doctor updated so that they can continue to monitor their patient’s condition.

5. Annual checkups

A primary care doctor can complete yearly checkups, which are important, especially as we get older. He/she is familiar with their patients’ medical histories and will know what they are at a higher risk for.

These also include physical exam for job application and renewals, annual sports physical exam for the students actively participating in some sports and medical clearance for travelers and military personnel.

6. Screening for common age-related conditions, infections, substance use disorders and complications

A primary care physician can provide health screenings for common age-related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer (breast, cervical, lung, colonic), STD (STI), dementia or osteoporosis. He/she can contact DOH staff assigned to carry out screenings in various programs such as the BCCEDP (Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program), TB/STI, Leprosy, Filariasis, Behavioral Health, Tobacco and Diabetes Program, Colonoscopy.

7. Referrals – The PCP provides recommendations to a specialist when needed

If a primary care physician uncovers an illness or disease that is better suited for treatment from a specialist, they can provide a recommendation so that the patient can see the right doctor for help. Examples of this type of service include referrals to the following :  Emergency Room, Surgical Clinic, Orthopedic Clinic, Eye Clinic, ENT Clinic, Pediatric Clinic, Cardiac Lab for 2D-Echo and Cardiologist consultation, Radiologist for interpretation of official reports of x-rays/ultrasound/CT Scan, Dental Clinic, Prenatal Clinic for both Obstetrical and Gynecological, Behavioral (Mental) Health for psychiatric consultation / counselling / treatment, Nutritionist for diet prescription, Pharmacy for medication updates, Physical Therapy for rehabilitation, etc.