Houston Methodist Primary Care Group

A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care professional who serves as the first point of contact for a patient’s medical needs. They provide routine checkups, preventive care, diagnose and treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. PCPs can be doctors (such as family physicians, internists, or pediatricians), advanced practice providers (APPs), nurse practitioners or physician assistants. They play a key role in coordinating overall health care and maintaining long-term patient relationships.

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized training and education. NPs diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and provide preventive care and patient education. They can work independently or alongside physicians, depending on state regulations. NPs often specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics or women's health.

A primary care provider (PCP) treats a wide range of health concerns, including:

 

• Routine and preventive care – Annual checkups, vaccinations, screenings and lifestyle counseling
• Common illnesses – Colds, flu, sinus infections, strep throat and urinary tract infections
• Chronic conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and arthritis
• Minor injuries – Sprains, minor cuts and mild burns
• Mental health – Anxiety, depression and stress management
• Referrals – Coordinating specialist care when needed

 

PCPs provide comprehensive care, helping patients manage their overall health and well-being.

You should see your primary care provider (PCP) at least once a year for a routine checkup and preventive screenings. However, you may need more frequent visits if you:

 

• Have a chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) that requires regular monitoring
• Experience new or ongoing health concerns
• Need vaccinations or screenings based on age and risk factors
• Require medication management or adjustments

 

Your PCP can recommend the best visit schedule based on your individual health needs.

An annual physical or well check is a routine exam to assess overall health and prevent issues. It includes:

 

• Medical history review – Health concerns, medications and family history
• Vital signs check – Blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight
• Physical exam – Heart, lungs, abdomen and reflexes
• Screenings and tests – Blood work, cancer screenings, vaccinations (as needed)
• Health counseling – Nutrition, exercise, mental health and chronic condition management

 

This visit helps detect issues early and keeps you on track with preventive care.

If you are sick, you have a host of Houston Methodist care options available to you. Beyond scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment with your PCP, you may also consider: 

 

• Same Day Clinics – You can schedule a same-day or next-day appointment with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant at convenient locations across the Greater Houston area
• Virtual Urgent Care – Get 24/7 on-demand video visits for non-emergency, urgent care needs from wherever you are, whenever you need us in Texas 
• Orthopedic Injury Clinics – If you have an unexpected injury, schedule a same-day or next-day appointment for specialized orthopedic care from our highly trained doctors and staff

If you are an existing patient, you can call your doctor’s office or schedule an appointment through MyChart. If you would like us to connect you with a primary care doctor in person or virtually, please call 713.394.6724.