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Care for every stage of life

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Family Medicine Services & Treatments

Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic Health System provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages — from newborns and children to adults and older adults — with a focus on prevention, ongoing relationships and whole person care.

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

Find out more about our family medicine services:

Conditions and consultations

Our family medicine team works with you to develop a treatment plan to address your health concerns and conditions.

Conditions we treat include:

Chronic health issues
Illnesses, such as colds, sore throat and ear infections
Injuries
Musculoskeletal concerns
Skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, burns and warts

Diagnosis and treatments

Our expertise is in identifying, managing and treating a wide range of healthcare conditions.

Treatments we provide include:

Behavioral health support — depression, stress, anxiety screening, treatment
Children's health
Chronic disease management
Family planning
Geriatric care
Illnesses and injuries
Immunizations and vaccinations
Medication management
Men's health
Osteopathic manipulation
Physical exams and forms
Prenatal care
Preventive checkups and screenings, such as a colonoscopy or mammogram
Procedures, including diagnostic imaging and on-site laboratory
Skin conditions evaluation, including acne, eczema, burns and warts
Women's health
Workers' compensation

Family medicine specialists

Our Family Medicine team provides high quality, compassionate care for patients of all ages through a team based approach focused on getting you the right care at the right time — throughout every stage of life.

At the center of the care team is you. Supporting you is an experienced group of professionals who work together to manage your health, coordinate care and keep you on track with preventive services.

Members of your Family Medicine care team include:

Physicians
Nurse practitioners
Physician assistants
Nurses
Resident physicians from the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Program
Pharmacists
Patient educators
Care team support staff

A team-based approach to primary care

Each team member has a specific role in supporting your health. Your care is shared across the team so the most appropriate professional can provide care based on your needs at that moment.

Rather than relying on a single clinician, you benefit from a coordinated team that works together to:

Connect you with the right specialist when needed
Help you stay on track with preventive exams, screenings and wellness visits
Improve access so care can happen more quickly and efficiently
Coordinate care across services and specialties

This approach allows your primary care team to be your home base for ongoing, convenient and supportive care.

Find family medicine specialists near you.

Additional care and therapies may be provided by:

Learn about our convenient care options.

Referrals

You can make an appointment without a referral. Simply call the appointment number of your preferred Family Medicine location.

If you or a family member has a complex health issue that requires specialized care and treatment, your primary care clinician will provide the referral to the appropriate specialized service.

FAQ

What should I expect during my first appointment and what should I bring?

Your first appointment will include a full medical history evaluation. Please bring your current medical information, including vaccination records and a list of medications 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 Family Medicine location to inquire about the appointment length for your health need.

Are there any age restrictions for patients seeking care in Family Medicine?

There are no age restrictions in Family Medicine. Family Medicine provides care for individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Can a teenager see a Family Medicine clinician without a parent or guardian?

A parent or guardian should accompany teenagers younger than 18 to the appointment. If this is not possible, the parent or guardian must complete and sign the Consent to Treat Unaccompanied Minor form (PDF) before the appointment.

What is a resident physician?

Resident physicians are medical school graduates who are completing advanced, hands-on training in their chosen specialty. They work closely with experienced faculty physicians to provide high-quality, compassionate care.

Will a medical student or resident be involved in my care?

You may be seen by a resident physician as part of your care team. Resident physicians are fully licensed doctors who work under the supervision of board certified faculty physicians to ensure safe, high-quality care.

What is the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program?

The Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program is a three year, accredited training program that prepares physicians to care for patients of all ages and life stages. Residents provide full spectrum family medicine — from preventive care and chronic disease management to pregnancy care and pediatrics — while working as part of a team-based model.

Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Programs are offered at several Mayo Clinic Health System locations. You can explore each Family Medicine Residency Program and meet current resident physicians through Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science:

Why do I need a primary care provider?

A primary care provider plays an important role in your long term health. While urgent care is a convenient option for unexpected, non emergency illnesses or injuries, it should not replace ongoing care with a primary care provider.

Primary care providers are part of the family medicine team that build an ongoing relationship with you and your family and help manage your health over time. A primary care provider may be a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who:

Evaluates and treats common health concerns
Provides preventive screenings based on your health and family history
Helps detect serious diseases and chronic conditions through regular visits
Refers you to specialists when additional care is needed

If you don’t have a primary care provider, Mayo Clinic Health System can help you find one. Find a primary care provider near you.

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 Family Medicine location.

What if I need care today and my Family Medicine 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

When should I consider urgent care or in‑person care instead?

For conditions that need to be evaluated in person but are not life‑threatening, Urgent Care may be appropriate when available in your community. Urgent Care locations and age requirements vary by location, so availability may be limited.

If your child has severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

How can I decide which care option is best?

If you’re unsure where to start, you can:

Use Primary Care On Demand for many common symptoms in children ages 3 and older
Contact your local clinic to ask about same‑day Family Medicine appointments (availability is limited and first‑come, first‑served)
Call our Nurse Line to talk through symptoms and get guidance on the most appropriate next step

Mayo Clinic Health System offers multiple ways to get care so families can make informed decisions when care is needed quickly.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

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.

What is a physical exam?

A physical exam is a comprehensive, head‑to‑toe exam performed by your primary care clinician. It may include addressing new or ongoing symptoms, managing chronic conditions, reviewing medications, and performing a hands‑on physical examination.

Unlike the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit:

A physical exam is focused on medical evaluation and care, not prevention planning
It may include discussion of active concerns or conditions
A physical exam can be scheduled at any time

Medicare generally does not cover routine physical exams, which may result in out‑of‑pocket costs depending on your coverage.

Why might I need both the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and a physical exam?

Both visits play an important role in your care, but they serve different purposes:

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit helps identify health risks early and ensures you stay on track with preventive care.
A physical exam allows your clinician to focus on medical concerns, symptoms, or chronic condition management.

Having both visits — often scheduled separately — helps your care team support both your preventive health goals and medical needs.

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.

What should I bring to a sports, school or camp physical?

When coming in for a sports, school or camp physical, it’s helpful to bring:

Any required forms that need to be completed
A list of medications, vitamins or supplements
Immunization records, if not already on file
Glasses or contacts, if worn
A parent or guardian, if the patient is a minor

Your care team may review medical history, previous injuries and immunization status as part of the visit.

Do you offer Department of Transportation (DOT) 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.

Can Family Medicine do pre-operative physicals / surgical clearance?

Yes. Family Medicine clinicians can perform pre‑operative physical exams or evaluations when requested as part of surgical preparation. These exams help determine whether a patient is healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia and surgery.

A pre‑operative evaluation may include:

Review of medical history and current conditions
Medication review
Vital signs and physical exam

Your surgical team will determine whether a pre‑operative exam is required and when it should be completed, typically within 30 days of surgery.

What is osteopathic manipulation?

Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a unique approach to your care that blends the science and art of medicine, focusing on identifying and treating the cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.

Osteopathic manipulation treatment is a hands-on approach that doctors of osteopathic medicine, or D.O., use to facilitate health and healing. These techniques are gentle and typically involve using pressure and resistance to work with the muscles, connective tissues and joints. Doctors of osteopathic medicine are fully licensed to practice medicine and surgery, but they also have additional training in hands-on diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. They strive to restore motion, alleviate pain and support the body's structure to help it function more efficiently.

Common conditions treated include:

Arthritis
Asthma
Back and neck pain
Constipation and reflux
Headaches
Infant colic
Pelvic pain
Pregnancy issues
Scoliosis
Torticollis (twisted neck)

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. Vaccinations offer protection against serious diseases by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies against certain bacteria or viruses.

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. For recommended vaccines based on age, refer to the adult or child and adolescent schedules.

Use your patient portal account to self-schedule a COVID-19 vaccination or call your local clinic.

Review the history of infectious disease outbreaks and vaccines timeline for information about major disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics, and the impact of vaccines and research.

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.

Explore locations or providers near you for details on family medicine care:

Vaccinations

Use your patient portal account to self-schedule a COVID-19 vaccination or call your local clinic.

Review the history of infectious disease outbreaks and vaccines timeline for information about major disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics, and the impact of vaccines and research.

Your care team

We offer a team-based approach to support you and your healthcare needs. This model of care is defined by high-quality, compassionate medical care delivered by a team of experts focused on getting you the right care at the right time to support your health and wellness. Care teams are your home base for getting the care you need in the most convenient, supportive ways possible.

Members of your care team

At the center of the care team is you, and your primary care team members will include a physician, nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants, nursing staff and care team support staff. Each care team member has a specific role in supporting and managing your health and care. Depending on the health situation, additional care team specialists may be included, such as a pharmacist, behavioral health specialist, patient educator, social worker or dietitian. Through collaborative teamwork, your care will be delegated to the most appropriate team member to provide the medical attention and care needed.

The benefit of having a care team

A care team improves your care in several ways. Rather than depending on just one clinician, you now have an entire team supporting you. When you need to see a specialist, your care team will connect you to the right person. When it's time for a preventive exam or health screening, your care team notifies you to keep you on track with recommended checkups and assessments. You also will have the ability to access care more quickly and efficiently because you now have a team of healthcare professionals prepared to meet your needs.

Seeing a nurse instead of your primary care clinician

Your appointment and the care team professional you see are tailored to address your specific health need and its complexity at that moment in time. This allows you access to the right healthcare professional for the right care at the right time. For example, some registered nurses are specifically trained to provide care related to recurring high blood pressure visits and Medicare annual wellness visits. If the nurse determines your condition has become more complicated, you will be referred to a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician for the appropriate care needed.

Accessing the care you need

Access to your care team is available in several ways for your convenience. You will be connected to the appropriate care team member and through the best care pathway to meet your individual needs. This may occur through a phone call, an in-person visit or through the patient portal.