Primary Care

A primary care provider (PCP) helps you stay well, manage health concerns and navigate care — with a plan built completely around you.

Having a primary care provider who knows you can make managing your health easier. Whether you have a new concern or need ongoing support, your provider is your first call for most health needs and your partner in long-term care.

Our Approach to Primary Care

When something new comes up, your primary care provider is often the first place you turn — but this care is about much more than treating you when you’re sick.

At MU Health Care, we serve as your medical home, where you and your care team create a personalized health plan through regular checkups and ongoing care.

Primary care takes a whole-person approach. We consider your physical and mental health, illness prevention, lifestyle habits and everyday concerns that affect your well-being. Patients who have a primary care provider often experience better chronic disease management, lower overall health care costs and greater satisfaction with their care.

From your very first visit, primary care becomes the foundation of your lifelong health care experience, helping you make informed decisions and stay well as your needs change.

Our Specialized Primary Care Expertise

At MU Health Care, your primary care provider is part of an academic health system that brings together broad expertise and advanced training across different areas of care.

Family Medicine PCPs

Family medicine doctors care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. They provide annual checkups, chronic disease management, dermatology care, mental health support, family planning, pregnancy care and treatment for substance use.

Because they often care for entire families, these physicians build long-term, trusted relationships across generations. Some family medicine doctors also have additional board certification in areas like sports medicine, geriatrics or palliative care.

General Internal Medicine PCPs

Internal medicine doctors specialize in adult health. They provide annual exams, manage chronic conditions and treat complex or ongoing health concerns.

Internists focus on prevention, wellness and whole-body care. When specialty care is needed, they help coordinate referrals and next steps. Some internal medicine physicians are also trained in pediatrics and care for patients of all ages.

Pediatric PCPs

Pediatricians care for children from birth through adolescence. They provide routine checkups, immunizations and support for both physical and emotional development.

MU Health Care pediatric PCPs are part of Children’s Hospital, central Missouri’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to children.

Primary Care Services

Primary care focuses on prevention, early detection and ongoing support for everyday health needs and chronic conditions across all stages of life.

Preventive Care and Screenings

Annual preventive visits and physical exams
Cancer screening coordination, including breast, colon and other age-based screenings
Coronary calcium score referrals as part of heart risk assessment when appropriate
Preventive lab testing and routine blood work
Sports physicals and routine wellness visits for athletes

Chronic Condition Monitoring

Chronic disease lab monitoring, including blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function
Diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol management
Heart testing and cardiac evaluation when needed
Thyroid evaluation on a case-by-case basis

Everyday Concerns and Common Conditions

Evaluation of pain, arthritis and changes in physical function
Minor illnesses and infections
Sinus and allergy concerns

In-Office Procedures and Treatments

Birth control procedures and long-acting contraception, including IUDs and implants
Electrostimulation for muscle spasms at select locations
Joint injections
Osteopathic manipulative treatment in some clinics
Skin biopsies, cryotherapy and minor skin removals
Splinting and casting for certain injuries
Toenail removals
Treatment for abscesses and minor skin infections

Behavioral Health and Lifestyle Support

Mental health medication management and referrals for specialty care when needed
Substance use disorder care with clinicians who have specialized training
Weight management evaluations and counseling

Care Coordination and Access

Primary care helps you navigate the health system and stay connected to the right care — especially if you’re managing multiple conditions or seeing more than one specialist.

Our experienced, board-certified physicians work together to keep your care coordinated, timely and clear.