Primary Care

Coordinated support for in-person and virtual care

Your provider is supported by a broader team that may include registered nurses, medical assistants, care coordinators, scheduling staff, pharmacists, and others who help make your care more connected and accessible.

Depending on your needs, visits may take place in person or virtually. Virtual appointments can be used for many routine and moderately complex concerns, such as follow-up care, medication questions, test orders, and referrals.

They may also help bridge a temporary gap for patients between primary care providers.

Mass General Brigham offers three types of primary care.

• In-person primary care: In-person primary care takes place in a doctor’s office where the PCP and patient meet in person. The doctor can examine the patient, orders tests and labs, and refer to specialists as needed. While virtual visits may be available at times, the majority of care takes place in a traditional, in-person setting.
• Virtual primary care: For patients with simple to moderately complicated health issues, virtual primary care offers individuals the opportunity to have a designated primary care provider and have appointments via video online. The PCP can order tests and labs and refer to specialists and if an in-person visit is needed, the PCP will coordinate that. Schedule an appointment.
• Bridge primary care: Bridge primary care is for those who are transitioning from one PCP to another but do not have an appointment with their new PCP for some time. In between appointments, a primary care provider can meet with patients virtually to bridge that gap by assisting with medication refills and any medical questions or issues that arise, including referrals to specialists. Schedule an appointment.

Why is primary care important?

Getting regular primary care services and routine screenings can help prevent serious health problems. They can help you catch conditions early, when you may have more treatment options.

Your PCP can help you:

• Stay on track with routine care and screenings. Physical exams, vaccinations, cancer screenings, and other regular checkups allow your PCP to assess your overall health and wellness. They can listen to your concerns and address any questions you may have about your family health history or recent changes in your health.
• Get treatment for a new illness or health condition. Our PCPs care for a wide range of needs, from coughs, sore throats, rashes and ankle sprains to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung disease.
• Manage chronic health conditions. Your PCP can help you manage chronic health conditions, like diabetes or asthma. They can prescribe prescriptions, order routine blood work, and answer questions related to your condition.
• Coordinate care with specialists. Our PCPs work together with specialists to help you achieve the best health outcome.
• Make health decisions. By knowing you over time, your PCP can provide guidance when you are making choices about treatment options to manage your health conditions.