---
title: "Primary care services | Family medicine | Sutter Health"
description: "Trusted family doctors at Sutter Health offer comprehensive primary care, including preventive services, chronic condition management and whole-person wellness."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Primary care

![Female primary care physician performing ear exam on patient during routine annual physical in doctor’s office.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/Hero-Images/primary-care.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150)

# Primary care

A primary care doctor is your go-to health advocate, working with you to achieve wellness goals and manage any ongoing conditions.

[Find a doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22acceptingNewPatients%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5Btrue%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Diablo+Division%22%2C%22Gould+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Mills-Peninsula+Division%22%2C%22Palo+Alto+Foundation+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+East+Bay+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group+of+the+Redwoods%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group%2C+Solano%22%2C%22Sutter+North+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+West+Bay+Medical+Group%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Internal+Medicine%22%2C%22Pediatrics%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

![Female primary care physician performing ear exam on patient during routine annual physical in doctor’s office.](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/Hero-Images/primary-care.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150)

## Why choose Sutter?

Isn’t it time to find a healthcare provider who prioritizes you? We know that managing your health, plus the overall wellness of your loved ones, doesn’t just happen on its own. At Sutter, we partner with you to support your family’s unique health needs.

Find care that fits within your schedule with our range of convenient appointment options, including traditional one-on-one appointments, same-day visits, urgent care and [video visits](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-care/video-visits). Beyond routine check-ups, we focus on building connections and advocating for your well-being throughout your entire life. You can turn to your primary care provider for everything from lifestyle tips to important screenings that detect conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

By the numbers

### 2,000+

primary care providers

are ready to support your health — from annual checkups to connecting you to specialty care.

### 3.2M

appointments

are booked each year through My Health Online, our convenient digital patient portal.

### 200+

care centers

with dozens of new and expanded locations near you coming soon.

### 1

Sutter PCP

is your go-to resource for personalized care at every stage of life.

## Primary care starts here

From routine care to connecting you with specialists, a primary care physician is the first stop for a healthier you. Already a patient? Sign in to [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online).

[Book your first visit](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22acceptingNewPatients%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5Btrue%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Diablo+Division%22%2C%22Gould+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Mills-Peninsula+Division%22%2C%22Palo+Alto+Foundation+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+East+Bay+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group+of+the+Redwoods%22%2C%22Sutter+Medical+Group%2C+Solano%22%2C%22Sutter+North+Medical+Group%22%2C%22Sutter+West+Bay+Medical+Group%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Internal+Medicine%22%2C%22Pediatrics%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

Primary care we provide

[Children's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/childrens-health)

[Concierge medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/campaign/concierge)

[Family medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/family-medicine)

[Internal medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/internal-medicine)

[LGBTQI+ care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/lgbtqi-care)

[Senior services and geriatric care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/senior-services-and-geriatric-care)

[Travel medicine](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/travel-medicine)

[Women's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/campaign/womens-health)

## Specialty programs

**Enhanced new patient physical appointments**

With our group-setting Enhanced New Patient Physical Appointments, we're rolling out the welcome mat to first-time Sutter patients in the Bay Area. These appointments kick off with a welcome session with up to 3 other people. Your care team uses this time to share an overview of our care systems so you know your choices and how to access them. After the session, you'll move to a private exam room for the rest of your visit. What's great about these visits is that they're billed the same as a regular new patient visit. Before booking an appointment, let’s first learn if you’re eligible for an Enhanced New Patient Physical Appointment.

**Shared medical appointments**

A Shared Medical Appointment (SMA), also known as a group visit, offers a laid-back, fresh take on the usual doctor's visit for people living in the Bay Area. During these 1- to 3-hour sessions, you'll receive in-person care from doctors, nurses and other medical staff while in the company of other people experiencing similar concerns — all at the same price as a traditional primary care visit.

[Explore our SMAs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/shared-medical-appointments)

**South asian physician consultations**

Our physician consultants for South Asian people in the Bay Area work alongside your primary care doctor to center wellness plans around you and your culture. During each visit, your doctor reviews your medical history and tests and discusses health risks common among South Asian people. By considering cultural factors in your care, we can customize treatments to meet your specific health goals.

[Find culturally centered care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/south-asian-physician-consultations)

### Meet your advanced practice clinician team

PA, NP and APC may sound like alphabet soup, but these credentials say a lot about your care team’s advanced training.

[Learn the differences](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/care-team)

### Vaccines 101: What they are and how they work

Learn how one vaccine can offer life-saving protection from diseases like the measles, mumps and much more.

[Learn about vaccines](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/vaccines)

### 7 questions to ask yourself before a checkup

To better manage your health, we've put together everyday questions to consider before your next primary care visit.

[What to consider](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/prepare-for-your-checkup)

## Awards and accreditations

[View all Awards and accreditations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/awards?verticalKey=awards&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_awardServices.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Primary+care%22%5D%7D%5D)

U.S. News & World Report

2024-2025

Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access

U.S. News & World Report

2024-2025

Five Best-in-State Hospitals

Leapfrog Group

2024

A Grade for Hospital Safety

Healthgrades

2024

America's 100 Best Hospitals

Healthgrades

2024

America's 250 Best Hospitals

Healthgrades

2024

America's 50 Best Hospitals

[View all Awards and accreditations](https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/awards?verticalKey=awards&facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_awardServices.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Primary+care%22%5D%7D%5D)

## My Health Online

My Health Online connects millions of people to their doctors and health records anytime, anywhere. Enroll today, schedule appointments and message your doctor through our patient portal.

[Sign up now](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online)

![smiling-female-nurse-consoling-happy-patient](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/women/smiling-female-nurse-consoling-happy-patient.jpg?h=483&iar=0&w=724)

## Health maintenance guidelines

Find out when checkups, screenings and immunizations are recommended, then talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

[View guidelines](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/preventive-care-guidelines)

## Learn more about your team

Discover how our advanced practice clinician (APC) team of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PA) come together to provide the most important care — yours.

## Sutter spotlight

Page

### [How to find the right doctor for you](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/tips-for-choosing-doctor)

Looking for a doctor? To get the care you need, ask yourself these questions to find a primary care doctor who is right for you.

Page

### [Flu and COVID-19 resources | Sutter Health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/flu-and-covid-19-resources)

These resources can help you protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 and flu. Schedule a vaccination today.

Page

### [Reducing Disease Risk](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/reducing-disease-risk)

Flu, diabetes and cancer—discover the ways you can avoid, prevent and even treat some of America's most serious and deadly diseases.

## Classes & events

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Senior+health%5C%22+%5C%22Women%27s+health%5C%22+%5C%22Men%27s+health%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

-   Class, Webinar
    
    ### [Understanding Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes: Your Path to Healthier Living](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/68dc5c793193191280ad74c6/)
    
    Tuesday, November 3, 2026
    
    Take control of your health! Join our webinar to learn about prediabetes and type 2 diabetes basics, risk factors, and simple lifestyle changes to improve your well‑being.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [Integrative Support During Chemo (Virtual)](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6ab3f4d8347ee327947da432/)
    
    Wednesday, November 4, 2026
    
    In this interactive group appointment series, you'll learn how to achieve better health during chemo treatment, adding an integrative approach to your oncologist’s plan based on the latest research.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [Free Gentle Yoga (Via Zoom)](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/68fbfc73dd030c5d6bb1073e/)
    
    Tuesday, November 3, 2026
    
    Free and open to the community. Join PAMF via Zoom for Free Gentle Yoga. This class is free to all adult community members, patients, providers and staff.
    

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Senior+health%5C%22+%5C%22Women%27s+health%5C%22+%5C%22Men%27s+health%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

## Patient stories

[View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories)

-   [Patient story
    
    ### Sury’s Story: Managing Diabetes with Walks and Family Support
    
    ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/surys-story-managing-diabetes-with-walks-and-family-support-2023563869)
-   [Patient story
    
    ### Fueling for the Finish Line
    
    ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/fueling-for-the-finish-line-2035750790)
-   [Patient story
    
    ### Like-Minded Leaders Lift Up Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Folk
    
    ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/like-minded-leaders-lift-up-next-generation-of-lgbtq-folk-2023563947)

[View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories)

## Your partners in lifelong health

Live better every day. Stay healthy with comprehensive primary care that fits your schedule.

[Find a doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results)

Frequently asked questions

**What does a primary care provider do?**

A primary care provider is your main partner for everyday health, preventive care and managing ongoing conditions. They offer routine checkups, screenings, vaccinations and early detection for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. They also help coordinate care and connect you with specialists when needed.

[Find a primary care doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Internal+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

**Do I need a primary care provider?**

You don’t need to have a primary care provider to receive care, but having one helps you stay on top of your health over time. A primary care provider gets to know your history, supports preventive care and helps guide you to the right services when health needs come up.

[Find a primary care provider](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Internal+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

**How do I choose a primary care provider?**

Choosing a primary care provider starts with finding someone who fits your health needs, location and preferences. You may want to consider availability, care style, language support and whether they offer in-person and virtual visits. The right doctor should feel like a long-term partner in your care.

[Find a primary care provider](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Internal+Medicine%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+Provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

**How often should I see a primary care provider?**

Most people should see a primary care provider once a year for a routine checkup, even if they feel healthy. Regular visits help catch conditions early and keep screenings, vaccines and preventive care up to date. Your provider may recommend more frequent visits based on your health needs.

[Schedule a visit](https://www.sutterhealth.org/schedule-appointment)

**Will my primary care doctor refer me to a specialist if I need one?**

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist if your condition requires more focused care. They help guide your treatment and make sure you get the right care at the right time. Some insurance plans may also require a referral before you see a specialist.

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care#medicalwebpage","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care#breadcrumblist"},"name":"Primary care at Sutter Health","description":"Trusted family doctors at Sutter Health offer comprehensive primary care, including preventive services, chronic condition management and whole-person wellness.","inLanguage":"en-US","medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"Patient"},"mainEntity":{"@type":"MedicalSpecialty","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care#medicalspecialty","name":"Primary care","alternateName":["Choosing a Doctor or Health Care Service","Health Occupations","Careers","Medical Professions","Health careers","Health professions","Medical occupations","General Health","Family Medicine","General Practice","Routine Health Care","Annual Check-Up"],"url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care"},"award":["Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access - U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025)","Five Best-in-State Hospitals - U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025)","A Grade for Hospital Safety - Leapfrog Group (2024)","America's 100 Best Hospitals - Healthgrades (2024)","America's 250 Best Hospitals - Healthgrades (2024)","America's 50 Best Hospitals - Healthgrades (2024)"],"about":[{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Family medicine","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/family-medicine"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Internal Medicine","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/internal-medicine"},{"@type":"MedicalProcedure","name":"Travel Medicine","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/travel-medicine"}],"publisher":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"},"datePublished":"2026-09-14T13:07:42-07:00","dateModified":"2026-09-14T13:07:42-07:00"}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/primary-care#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Services","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/services"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Primary care"}]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Meet Your Advanced Clinician Team","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/61712241-ad3c-4adc-83fa-7b38663ce9bd/ce2085c9-db35-4f3f-8be4-5602e87f5958/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2023-07-24T21:53:45.382Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6331776606112","description":"Discover how nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) offer care as a part of your healthcare team. And learn how they’re similar and different from a doctor and each other.","duration":"PT1M29S","transcript":"SPEAKER: When you're not feeling your best\nand go to schedule with your doctor,\nyou may have the opportunity to book a visit\nwith an Advanced Practice Clinician, or APC.\nAPCs are made up of Nurse Practitioners, also known\nas NPs, and Physician Assistants, or PAs.\nThey offer personable, timely care\npowered by years of education, training, and experience.\nBoth NPs and PAs are members of your care team\nwho you can trust to develop and manage treatment plans,\nprescribe your medications, and in some cases even serve\nas your primary care provider.\nMAX INGERSOLL: My favorite part about being a nurse\npractitioner is the patients.\nI really enjoy listening to them and learning\nabout where they are and helping them reach their goals.\nI've been an MP for 17 years now.\nThe physicians and the APCs have a lot of overlap.\nWe do the same functions in the office,\nand having a variety of people to come see,\nthis opens up access to our patients.\nTINEBETA MEKONNEN: Our relationship with physicians\nis really collaborative.\nWhen you see one of us, you're really seeing all of us\nbecause we're all a team.\nWe all consult on the best patient-centered care\nwe can provide.\nAnd I get the privilege every day of meeting people\nfrom all different walks of life.\nI want them to feel seen, I want them to feel understood.\nI want all of my patients to walk away from our visits\nfeeling empowered.\nSPEAKER: NPs and PAs are partners you\ncan count on to feel your best.\nSo next time you need to get timely care with expertise\nyou can trust, think about scheduling a visit\nwith a member of your APC team.\n[MUSIC PLAYING]"}
```