Most people who rarely see their primary care physicians are unaware that there are lots of different tests that these doctors can do. You may assume that you need to see a specialist for a test when only a specific body part is bothering you. Not so; in fact, it is a much better idea to see your regular doctor because he/she can start to relieve your discomfort right away by making the diagnosis sooner and providing you with a prescription (if applicable). Here are some tests that your primary care doctor can do in the office and have the results for in a matter of minutes.

Yeast Infections

The idea of a doctor you see more often for general health doing a yeast infection test may make you uncomfortable. However, when you take into consideration the fact that yeast infections are not just gynecological in nature, you may be more relieved about it. In truth, yeast infections can occur anywhere in or on the human body where a lot of moisture and bacteria collect.

In fat folds, between your butt cheeks, under the rim of a penis,  and even under your breasts, yeast infections can begin and create a very uncomfortable situation for you. Your primary doctor only needs to see the rash visually, take a swab, swab a microscope slide, and check the microscope slide for yeast. You could walk out of the office with a tube of cream for the infection and start feeling better right away.

Diabetes

Approximately 7.2 millionAmericans are walking around with diabetes and have not yet been diagnosed. That is a lot of very sick people with a potentially fatal disease. The scary part is, you could have it, and you could take a simple test in your doctor's office to find out.  

It only takes a simple finger stick or blood draw with an onsite lab to find out. In under a half hour (often a lot sooner than that!), you would know if you have to change your diet and your lifestyle, and/or take a medication to combat the problem. If you suspected that you had diabetes and waited to see a nephrologist or pancreatic specialist, the disease could kill you before your appointment date with these specialists.

Quick Strep Test

It used to be that you would see your doctor with a sore throat, go through a throat swab test, and wait up to three days to hear back from your doctor. Now, you can get a "quick strep culture" test. Your doctor still swabs your throat, but you find out in five minutes or less if you have strep throat. Since streptococcus bacteria can affect your heart and your muscles, you will want to be on antibiotics just as soon as you can to reduce these risks and damage. Most of the time, because this test is so short in nature, you can get in to see your doctor and take the test in between longer patient visits.

Thyroid Functions

Thyroid glands regulate metabolism, affect heart rate, and control the absorption of nutrients. If your thyroid has issues, your skin will be dry, your hunger or thirst is out of control, your body temperature yo-yos, and your hair is brittle and loose. While all of the outward visual signs may be present, your doctor will need bloodwork to confirm. Thankfully, he or she only needs a small vial of your blood to check your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels to verify that you have this problem. That is a very simple test that can be completed in your primary care doctor's office.