Most would define primary medical care as a physician, whether a - TopicsExpress

Most would define primary medical care as a physician, whether a family doctor, neurologist or an orthopedic, but this is a misperception. Primary care consists of a team approach: physicians, PAs, physical therapists, dieticians, nurses, occupational therapists, etc.. The most common injuries that a person will face is a musculoskeletal injury. In these injuries, most were sent to orthopedic surgeons, when in fact only 23% actually needed surgery. This was thought to be wasteful spending. It has been shown that the majority of these patients should go through their primary care physician or directly to their orthopedic physical therapist for an evaluation and palliative care!! With a musculoskeletal injury like: back pain, shoulder pain, neck, knee, hip, ankle, wrist, or hand pain, weakness, unsteady gait, ergonomic, or balance issues, you have direct access to a physical therapist.