Family Medicine Frequently Asked Questions

A primary care provider (PCP) encompasses family medicine or internal medicine and specializes in diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide variety of conditions. These providers are involved in managing many aspects of your health care including the physical, mental and emotional. PCPs can identify health issues before they become major problems. An established relationship with a PCP builds trust and enables the provider to get to know you and your family history in order to provide you with the best possible care that meets your needs.

Primary care physicians fall into one of three categories: family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors and pediatricians. Internal medicine doctors care for adults. A pediatrician focuses their care on children. A family medicine doctor (or family practitioner) cares for the entire family.

Much like a primary care physician, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are supervised by physicians and can diagnose and treat medical problems, perform procedures and prescribe medications.

• Ask your trustworthy family members, friends and coworkers for their recommendations.
• Do research on each potential candidate by reading their online profiles and watching their videos.
• Consider the proximity of the doctor’s office to your work or home.
• Make sure the office hours are convenient to your schedule.
• Visit the practice to meet the staff and get a feel for the environment.
• Call the practice location to make sure you can schedule with the provider of your choice in a reasonable time frame.
• Once you meet the provider, make sure you connect and feel like it’s someone you can trust—who listens and makes you feel comfortable.

At NGPG, we understand that no one has time to be sick. We reserve same day appointment slots in our schedule for sick patients each day. We know it’s important for you to be seen quickly so we can help manage your illness to get you back to work or school as quickly as possible.

The purpose of a routine preventive exam (Annual Physical or Well visit) is to identify potential health problems in the early stages when they are easier and less costly to treat. Seeing your physician once a year for a physical exam is a great way to manage your health. Many health insurance plans cover annual physicals as preventive care and cover at no charge.

Bring with you a full list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications including all supplements and vitamins you are taking and any questions you’d like to ask. Your provider will ask about your medical and family history, will check vital signs, administer immunizations and perform routine screenings. Additional follow-up may be recommended based on age, gender, symptoms and risk factors.

We recommend talking to your child’s caregivers (teachers, grandparents, sitter, etc.) to see if they have noticed any issues you may have missed. Prepare a list of questions or concerns for the doctor. With older children, they may bring their own list. Bring up any worries you may have about your child’s health, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

You can request a refill by contacting your pharmacy who can electronically request the prescription with your provider.

We have dedicated staff at our PCP offices that can help connect you with a specialist during your office visit.

You can reach our billing office to pay by phone by calling 770-219-8420 or log in to MyChart and click “billing” to pay.

Lab results are available through MyChart or you may obtain a printed copy from your provider.

MyChart is our convenient online portal that enables you to securely connect with your provider and access personalized health information at any time, day or night. It is free, easy to use, and works from your computer or mobile device.

You can conveniently manage appointments, access your family’s records, get test and lab results, manage medication requests and refills, connect with your provider and pay your bills.

Log in to mychart.nghs.com