Primary Care
We're your partner in health and wellness.
Your personal wellness is our priority. We don’t simply treat diseases but strive to help patients stop illness before it starts. As your first point of care, your primary care provider (PCP) manages your routine wellness visits and screenings, cares for you when you have a non-emergency illness and refers you for any specialized care you may need.
To serve you better, please set your location for information on services available in your area.
We provide personalized, compassionate care for patients across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Learn more about what you should do to prepare for your yearly wellness exam with your primary care physician.
Why should I have a primary care provider?
While there are many reasons to have primary doctor, three important reasons are:
Preventative care leads to better health and wellness.
During your yearly wellness exam, your provider will develop a comprehensive care plan. This can include medical counseling and health monitoring suggestions based on your current health and risk factors. They could also recommended preventive screenings - like a mammogram or colonoscopy - based on your age and personal risk-factor history.
Healthcare at your fingertips.
Have you ever had a non-emergent health question you wish you could ask your PCP about? Using MyChart's secure access you can send your provider a message, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, or - when applicable - have a video visit with your provider. SSM Health MyChart makes it easy to manage your health.
Specialty care is a connection away.
When you need specialty care, your primary care provider will act as your “point person” connecting you with our network of award-winning SSM Health specialists, surgeons, nutritionists, and mental health professionals in your community.
What conditions does a primary care provider treat?
Your primary care provider treats short-term illnesses like the flu or an ear infection as well as helping you manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and anxiety or depression. Common conditions a PCP treats can include, but are not limited to:
- Acid reflux
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Cold, flu or sore throat
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Menopause
- Osteoporosis
- Reflux disease
- Skin Irritations
- Sports medicine
- Vitamin deficiency
- Weight monitoring and loss
How to pick a new primary care provider:
There are a few different types of providers when comes to choosing a primary care physician. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers if they have a provider they recommend. You can also use the SSM Health provider finder to find a PCP near you.
What is a family medicine doctor?
Family medicine specialists are physicians who provide care for patients from birth through senior ages managing routine and chronic illness. Family medicine providers are uniquely suited to care for your whole family. Find a family medicine provider.
What is an internal medicine doctor?
Internal medicine specialists are residency-trained physicians or advanced practice providers who provide care for adults and seniors managing complex chronic illnesses. They typically do not see pediatric patients, but some may see adolescents. Find an internal medicine provider.
Grounded in academic roots. SLUCare is Informed Medicine℠
SLUCare Physician Group is the academic medical practice of SSM Health in St. Louis. Our primary care providers treat acute illnesses, chronic diseases, minor emergencies and injuries. We also offer preventive care, including women's health and pediatric care, to promote well-being and decrease your chances of getting sick in the future.
Did you know?
Some primary care offices have some have a primary care clinical pharmacist on-site to help you manage your medications. Learn more about primary care clinical pharmacists.
Do you need a pediatrician?
We provide personalized, compassionate care for patients from birth through adolescence, including routine well child exams and treatment for childhood illnesses.
Ready to embrace your golden years?
We want to help you get the most out of your golden years, and the first step is your annual Medicare wellness visit with an SSM Health physician.
What is a yearly wellness exam (or checkup)?
During your yearly wellness visit you and your PCP will develop a personalized plan, based on your current health and risk factors, to manage your health and prevent disease. Annual wellness visits are intended to get you up-to-date on basic screenings, immunizations and preventive services.
Be open and honest with your doctor about any medical concerns or changes in your body. They can't develop a care plan without knowing the full picture.
What should I do to prepare for my yearly wellness visit?
- Bring a list of medications and supplements - Write down your medications, the dosage, and how often you take them.
- Note your family health history - Write down any diseases or illnesses your blood-related siblings, mother, father, and grandparents suffered from.
- Be prepared to bring up questions and concerns - Bring a list with any questions or concerns you may have about your health.
What happens during your yearly wellness visit?
As part of developing a personalized care plan, your primary care team will:
- Take your height, weight, and blood pressure
- Review your medical and family history
- Discuss lifestyle habits like diet and exercise
- Perform a basic physical exam
- Review your current prescribed and over-the-counter medications
- Make sure you are up-to-date on vaccinations
As part of your yearly wellness visit your provider may order imaging or lab services such as X-rays, blood work, or cancer screenings. Your care team will review the tests and get back to you with the results via MyChart or phone.
Find a partner for your health and wellness journey.
If you're new in town, need a follow-up appointment after an ER visit, or are just ready for a change, it's important to find a primary care provider best suited to your personal health and wellness journey. At SSM Health, our experienced team of providers will support you through all phases of your life.