Why is it important to have a primary care provider?
Your primary care provider, or PCP, is more than just a doctor to call when you're sick. A primary care provider is your partner in maintaining your overall health and well-being. Your primary care provider is trained to diagnose and treat most common diseases and medical conditions, as well as coordinate your care with specialists when appropriate. He or she knows your health history and coordinates your health care needs. UnityPoint Clinic primary care providers in the Tri-State area include:
Gretchen Hong, AHNP, WHNP, UnityPoint Clinic Women’s Health
Kenneth Martin, DO, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Pennsylvania Avenue
Guy McCaw, MD, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine and Walk-in Care – Peosta
Deb Rohr, DNP, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine and Walk-in Care – Cascade
Michelle Shafer, DO, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine and Walk-in Care – Peosta

When should I go to urgent care?
When health concerns arise, it is best to contact your primary care provider, who can then direct you on the best course of action. But when health issues arise after hours, on weekends or during the holidays, visiting your primary provider may not be an option.
For minor illnesses or injuries, Urgent Care clinics are the best choice. Urgent Care clinics are available after hours, on weekends and during holidays. Urgent Care can provide treatment for non-emergency situations, including burns, colds, cuts, allergies, flu, fractures, infections, sprains and more.

Always call 911 or visit Finley’s emergency room when you are experiencing limb- or life-threatening conditions including intense chest pain, profuse bleeding, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, seizures lasting longer than five minutes, intense abdominal pain and other serious medical issues.

When is the right time to see a specialist?
When your primary care provider thinks you should see a specialist, he or she will help coordinate that care. In the Tri-State area, UnityPoint Clinic offers the following specialist clinics:
Cardiology
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Spine
Urology

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