It is difficult to agree on any single definition of what a medical center is. It is a term that might be used to describe a multi-service hospital but most often it is medical facility that provides primary medical care which focuses on health maintenance. These facilities also deal with caring for common acute illnesses and coordinate with specialists for those patients who have complications or chronic conditions. A Hillsborough Medical Center will include non-physician health providers as well, such as radiology technicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.
Most patients who use the services of a primary care physician at a medical center enjoy better health than people who wait until they are ill before going to a doctor. A medical clinic can run regular diagnostic tests and offer medical advice which is designed to promote health rather than only treat acute illnesses. Primary care physicians who work at a Hillsborough Medical Center are trained in handling a wide range of what could be considered as ‘common” medical problems and to offer care which focuses on overall patient wellness. These physicians are in many cases the patients first contact with the medical system and should, upon diagnosis, be found to need the care of a specialist physician they can be referred.
A medical center is often a “one stop shop” for a patient’s medical needs. There are of course clinics which are very basic and are limited to providing help for patients with the simplest of ailments such as a cold or the flue. On the other hand there are clinics that are full-service, providing a wide range of services including X-Rays, lab testing, pediatrics, OB/GYN and even dental care. Depending on the level of care services will be provided by licensed physicians while in other cases such as drawing blood the work will be done by a skilled technician.
One cannot expect to find specialist care at a typical medical center; these facilities often provide treatment for basic, short duration illnesses. Patients who suffer from ongoing issues are often referred to a specialist however some primary care physicians do provide continuing care for a patient who has a simple chronic condition. A patient suffering from hypertension for example will continue to see the primary care physician to ensure the medicine that was prescribed is doing the job as it is designed to do.
A significant benefit of using a Hillsborough Medical Center is the fact that evening and weekend appointments can be scheduled, this is rarely the case with physicians who operate a private practice.
