Primary Care

Primary Care is defined as basic or general health care focused on the point at which a patient ideally first seeks assistance from the medical care system. Primary care is considered comprehensive when the primary provider enters into a sustained partnership with the patient to take responsibility for the overall coordination for the care of the patient’s health problems; biological, behavioral, or social. Physicians have traditionally provided the care, but, increasingly, it is provided by other personnel such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

Selecting a primary care physician

There are many factors to consider when selecting a physician to care for your primary care needs. Do you prefer to see a family practitioner or an internist?

If you have children, do you prefer them to see a pediatrician or a family practitioner?

Other things to consider:

  • Do you prefer a male or female physician?
  • Do you have a strong preference about a physician's age?
  • Do you prefer that your physician be board certified?
  • How important is it for the physician to spend a lot of time answering your questions?
  • How important are your physician's location, punctuality and office hours?

To assist you in selecting a University Physician, please click here.

Please call the Referral / Newcomer Program at 882-6565. The service is free and confidential. Or you can search for more information about any University Physician.
 University of Missouri - Columbia University of Missouri System