Talking primary care with University of Minnesota

Primary care doctors often serve as the front line of medicine. These physicians are familiar with their patients’ history, guiding their overall health and often catching issues before they become serious.

Maria Loerzel, M.D., with the University of Minnesota Medical School discusses primary care, the different types of primary care physicians and why it’s important to have a go-to doctor.

Q: What is primary care?

Dr. Loerzel: Primary care is comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare delivered by physicians and care teams that manage most health needs. It includes treatment for new and rapidly developing symptoms, chronic illness management, disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles through education and counseling.

Primary care is ideally positioned in healthcare delivery to coordinate complex medical care and to be the “healthcare home” for an individual and their family. 

Q: What are the different types of primary care physicians?

Dr. Loerzel: Primary care physicians include OB-GYNs, internists, pediatricians, family medicine doctors, geriatricians and Med-Peds specialists. OB-GYNs focus on women’s healthcare, encompassing reproductive health, prenatal care, operative and non-operative delivery and gynecological care. Internists treat adults, often managing chronic and complex conditions. Pediatricians care for infants, children and teens. Family medicine physicians treat all ages and may offer obstetric care. There are also primary care geriatricians who focus on the care of older individuals and addressing conditions related to aging. Med-Peds doctors are trained in both internal medicine and pediatrics, caring for patients of all ages. Unlike family physicians, they do not provide obstetric care.

Q: Why is it important to have a primary care doctor?

Dr. Loerzel: Having a primary care doctor ensures you have a dedicated physician and healthcare team to contact when needs arise. They know your medical, family and  social history –  allowing for personalized, comprehensive care and better management of chronic conditions. Primary care doctors also guide preventive health screenings, follow up on care from other providers and coordinate referrals to specialists with the necessary background and testing. Primary care doctors help you navigate a complex healthcare system effectively. Everyone deserves a trusted primary care team to support their health across all stages of life.

Q: How often should I see my primary care doctor?

Dr. Loerzel: It depends on your age and health needs. Infants are seen frequently in the first year, then annually through early adolescence, and every two years through age 18. Adults are generally seen annually for wellness visits. If you have stable chronic conditions, visits every 3–6 months may be recommended. For acute issues or when working toward a specific goal, visits may be more frequent. It’s important to establish care with a primary doctor to determine the best schedule for your specific health needs. If you’re experiencing non-life-threatening changes in your health or a concerning symptom, you should reach out to your primary care physician. Seek emergency care for life-threatening issues.

Q: How does your work at the University of Minnesota advance health in Minnesota?

Dr. Loerzel: My work with the University of Minnesota helps advance health in Minnesota by training future physicians, especially through the new rural family medicine residency program in Willmar. I’ve taught medical, nursing and allied health students in my rural community for over a decade. Training physicians in rural settings is vital in growing the future workforce that will care for patients in our rural communities. The University of Minnesota’s partnership with CentraCare will provide new opportunities and resources to strengthen the healthcare system statewide.

Dr. Maria Loerzel is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a family medicine physician with CentraCare. She provides full-spectrum family medicine with a special interest in obstetrics, women’s health and pediatrics.