Primary Care Services & Treatment

Primary care is your first resource for health care at Mayo Clinic Health System. Our primary care teams provide ongoing, comprehensive care focused on prevention, wellness and treatment of common health concerns for individuals and families. By building a long term relationship with a primary care provider, you have a trusted partner who understands your medical history, personal preferences and health goals — helping personalize care, improve coordination and save time over the long run.

Primary Care includes Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. Your primary care provider works with a team of professionals to help manage day to day health needs, support preventive care and connect you to specialty services when needed.

If you need care for an urgent concern, virtual care with Mayo Clinic providers is available 24/7 through Primary Care On Demand, and same-day access is available in person at select locations.

Find out more about our primary care services:

Conditions and consultations

Primary care providers evaluate, treat and help manage common illnesses and health concerns, and coordinate care when more specialized services are needed.

Conditions we treat include:

Cold and flu symptoms
Diabetes and other chronic conditions
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Skin concerns and rashes
Ear, sinus and respiratory concerns

In addition, primary care providers refer you to specialty care for more complex health needs.

Diagnosis and treatments

Primary care offers multiple options for diagnosing your condition and caring for your healthcare needs.

Treatments we provide include:

Chronic health management
Medication management, routine monitoring, lab review
Preventive and wellness care
Annual exams, screenings, immunizations
Care coordination
Referrals, follow-up, care planning across services

Primary Care specialists

Primary care providers are part of an expert team focused on ongoing, comprehensive care.

Primary Care includes these specialties:

Family Medicine: Care for all ages
Internal Medicine: Care for adults ages 18+
Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine: Care from birth through high school

Some Primary Care locations also participate in education and training programs under the supervision of experienced clinicians, as part of Mayo Clinic Health System’s commitment to education and training.

To learn about our healthcare professionals, browse the directory of providers, making sure to select your preferred location.

Referrals

Referrals are not required. Call the appointment number of your preferred primary care location to learn more.

FAQ

What should I bring for my first appointment?

For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

How long does an appointment take?

The length of an appointment depends on the specific medical situation or concern of the individual. We recommend calling your preferred Primary Care location to inquire about the appointment length for your health need.

Does Mayo Clinic Health System offer virtual visits?

Virtual visits are offered in the Family Medicine Department. These visits may be scheduled through the patient portal, the Mayo Clinic App or by calling your preferred Primary Care location.

Why do I need a primary care provider?

A primary care provider helps manage your overall health, coordinates care across services, supports preventive care and builds an ongoing relationship focused on your long-term well-being.

What if I need care today and my provider isn’t available?

If you have an urgent health concern, Mayo Clinic Health System offers several same‑day care options to help you get the right care at the right time.

For children ages 3 and older, Primary Care On Demand is often the most convenient option. This virtual care service connects you with a Mayo Clinic physician 24/7 using your mobile device and is available evenings, weekends and holidays. It can be a good choice for many common concerns when in‑person appointments are unavailable and is often available in under 30 minutes.

Your care team will have access to the same medical record, helping ensure continuity of care across visits.

What is a Medicare annual wellness visit?

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive visit covered by Medicare Part B for people who have had Medicare coverage for at least one year. The purpose of this visit is to help you stay healthy by reviewing your medical history and creating or updating a personalized prevention plan.

During the visit, a nurse or nurse practitioner works with you to:

Review your medical and family health history
Screen for fall risk, depression, memory concerns, and other health risks
Measure height, weight, and blood pressure
Review medications and current health care providers
Ensure you’re up to date on recommended screenings and immunizations
Discuss advance care planning, if you choose

This visit focuses on prevention and long‑term health planning, not diagnosing or treating new or existing medical conditions.

Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical?

No. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not a physical exam. While the terms are often confused, they are very different appointments with different purposes.

Do you offer sports, school or camp physicals?

Yes. Mayo Clinic Health System offers sports, school and camp physicals at many clinic locations. These visits help determine whether children and teens are healthy and ready to participate in school activities, athletics or camps, and may also be used to complete required forms.

Availability and scheduling may vary by location. Contact your local clinic or primary care team to schedule an appointment.

Do you offer DOT (Department of Transportation) exams?

Yes. Mayo Clinic Health System offers DOT exams at select locations. These exams are performed by providers who are certified and listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, as required by federal guidelines. Please note, DOT exams are not available at all locations, so it’s important to check with your preferred clinic in advance.

What are the recommended vaccinations?

Disease prevention is crucial to your health. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to maintain good health, and protect you and those you care about against infectious diseases. Get vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic, including benefits, safety, side effects and what to know about recommended vaccines for babies, children, teens, adults and during pregnancy.

What are my payment options and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments. We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.