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Connect with a primary care provider close to home
Having a primary care provider can make it easier to stay on top of your health. Whether you need a yearly checkup, help managing an ongoing condition or a doctor for your family, Ballad Health is here for you.
Book an appointment online
If you already have a Ballad Health provider or are ready to schedule with a provider accepting new patients, you can book your appointment online now by clicking the button below.
Need help finding a provider?
If you're looking for a primary care provider and aren't sure where to start, fill out our form by clicking the button below. Our team can help connect you with a provider who fits your needs.
Primary care plays an important role in helping you stay healthy over time. At Ballad Health, our family medicine and internal medicine providers offer care for routine visits, preventive services and ongoing health needs.
Your primary care provider can help with:
- Annual wellness visits and physicals
- Preventive care and routine checkups
- Sick visits for common illnesses
- Care for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma
- Vaccines and health screenings
- Referrals to specialists when needed
Your provider is here to make it easier to get care, ask questions and feel confident in your healthcare.
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Why annual wellness visits matter
Even when you feel well, an annual wellness visit or physical is an important part of staying healthy.
These give you and your doctor time to:
- Review your health history
- Talk about any of your changes or concerns
- Check in on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, cognition and other health needs
- Stay up to date on any screenings and vaccines
- Make a plan for your health for the year ahead
Some health problems do not cause symptoms early on. Seeing your primary care provider each year can help catch issues sooner, when they may be easier to treat.
Common screenings to discuss with your provider
Your provider may recommend screenings based on your age, personal history, family history and lifestyle.
Wellness visit
Ages to start screening:
Pediatric and adult annual wellness visits are recommended for all ages. Many insurance plans cover these visits at little or no cost. Check with your provider for details.
Why it’s important:
Some medical conditions that require early detection, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol might have no symptoms at all. This makes an annual visit with your provider vital to maintaining good health.
Cervical cancer
Ages to start screening:
Routine cervical cancer screenings generally begin at age 21 depending on the method of screening chosen and end at age 65 for most women.
Why it’s important:
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings to detect cervical cancer early so that any precancerous cells can be found and removed.
Mammograms
Ages to start screening:
Annual mammograms are recommended between the ages of 40 and 54. For ages 55 and older, you can do yearly or bi-yearly screenings.
Why it’s important:
Early detection means less invasive treatment can be started right away, leading to life-saving outcomes.
Colorectal cancer
Ages to start screening:
Start regular screening at 45, and continue until 75.
Why it’s important:
Screening helps find colorectal cancer before symptoms develop, making it easier to treat and increasing your chances of a full recovery.
Flu, COVID and other important vaccines
Staying up to date on vaccines is an important part of your annual wellness visit and preventive care.
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Your primary care provider can help you understand which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age, health history and risk factors.
Common vaccines for adults include:
- Flu (influenza) – every year
- COVID-19 – based on current CDC guidance
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap/Td) – every 10 years
- Shingles (zoster) – starting at age 50
- Pneumococcal – for adults 65 and older, or younger adults with certain health conditions
Family and internal medicine near you
We offer both family medicine and internal medicine clinics to help meet your primary care needs.
Family medicine
Family medicine providers typically care for patients of many ages, including children and adults. This may be a good fit if you want your family's care all in one place.
Internal medicine
Internal medicine providers typically focus on adult care. They help patients stay on top of preventive care and manage health needs through adulthood and older age.
Frequently asked questions about primary care
A primary care provider is the person you see for routine care, yearly visits, common illnesses and chronic conditions. They can also help coordinate your care if you need a specialist.
Yes. Specialist providers often require a referral, which you can get from a primary care doctor. If you need care from a specialist, your primary care provider can help guide your next steps and connect you to additional care, if needed.
Yes! If you already have a Ballad Health primary care provider, you can use online scheduling to book your next appointment.
That's okay! Whether it has been a few years or longer, primary care is a good place to restart routine care and talk through any of your questions or concerns about your health.
Family medicine providers often care for patients of many ages, including children. We also have primary care providers who specialize in geriatric care. If you need help finding the right provider for your family, fill out the form below.
After you submit the form, a member of our team will review your information and follow up to help connect you with a provider that aligns with your needs.