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Primary care for every stage of life

Family Medicine in Central Iowa

Choose a care team that gets to know you and your family. Primary Health Care provides checkups, sick visits, preventive care, and help managing ongoing health conditions for children and adults.

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Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans are accepted. A sliding fee discount may be available based on income and family size.

A parent and child with a provider during a family medicine visit

Family Medicine Services at PHC

Your primary care team helps you stay healthy, get care when you are sick, and manage health needs over time. We care for children, adults and older adults.


  • Checkups & Preventive Care

    Routine visits, health screenings and lab tests. Your provider can help you understand which care is recommended for your age and health needs.


  • Sick Visits

    Care for common illnesses, infections and minor injuries. Call your clinic to ask about available appointments. Same-day visits may be available.


  • Ongoing Health Conditions

    Help managing diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and other long-term conditions. We review your medicines and work with you on a care plan.


  • Care for Children & Teens

    Well-child visits, immunizations, and school and sports physicals. Our team helps families follow their child’s health as they grow.


  • Video & Phone Visits

    Some health needs can be addressed through telehealth. Ask your clinic whether a video or phone visit is an option for you.


  • Follow-Up & Care Coordination

    Follow-up visits, medicine reviews and referrals when needed. We help you understand next steps and coordinate care with other providers.

Ready to get started?

Choose a PHC clinic and call to schedule. Services and appointment availability vary by location.

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A care team you can turn to

Why Choose PHC for Family Medicine?

Your health needs change over time. PHC offers primary care and other health services to help you and your family take the next step.


  • Care That Continues Over Time

    A regular primary care provider gets to know your health history. From checkups to ongoing health concerns, your care team helps you plan next steps and follow your progress.


  • Connected Health Services

    PHC offers medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. Your primary care team can help coordinate additional care when you need it.

    Explore PHC services

  • Clear Communication

    Ask questions and talk with your care team about your health goals. Interpreter services are available at no cost to patients. Tell the clinic if you need an interpreter when you schedule.


  • Care Close to Home

    Find PHC clinics in Des Moines, Urbandale, Ames and Marshalltown. Call your preferred clinic to ask about providers, services and appointment times.

    Find a PHC clinic

Family Medicine Locations & Appointments

Find primary care in Des Moines, Urbandale, Ames and Marshalltown. Call the clinic you prefer to ask about providers and available appointments. Services and patient ages served may vary by provider and location.

New to PHC? Tell the clinic you want to establish primary care. If you have a preferred provider or need an interpreter, let the scheduling team know when you call.

Insurance & Costs

PHC accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans for primary care. Coverage and costs depend on your plan and the services you receive.

Using Your Insurance

Before your visit, contact your insurance plan to confirm that PHC and your provider are in your network.

  • Bring your current insurance or Medicaid card.
  • Ask your plan which services are covered.
  • Ask about any copay or other costs you may owe.

Help With the Cost of Care

If you need help paying for care, ask about PHC’s sliding fee discount program. Discounts are based on household income and family size.

  • Ask your clinic how to apply.
  • Find out what information you need to bring.
  • A health benefits specialist can explain your options.

Have Questions About Coverage?

Contact your clinic and ask to speak with a health benefits specialist. They can help you understand coverage options and apply for insurance.

Contact your clinic View patient resources

Family Medicine FAQs

Find answers about primary care and getting started at PHC.

Can PHC be my regular primary care provider?

Yes. PHC provides ongoing primary care, including checkups, sick visits and help managing long-term health conditions. Your care team can also coordinate referrals when you need other services.

Call your preferred clinic and tell the scheduling team you want to establish primary care.

What is the difference between family medicine and internal medicine?

Family medicine provides primary care for children and adults. Internal medicine focuses on adult health, including ongoing or complex health conditions. Both can provide regular primary care.

PHC’s Longevity & Healthy Aging Care page includes information about internal medicine and care for Medicare-age adults. Learn about internal medicine and healthy aging.

Do family medicine providers see children?

Yes. Family medicine providers care for children and adults. Patient ages served may vary by provider and location. Call your clinic to ask about care for your child.

PHC also offers care with pediatricians at select locations. Learn about pediatric care.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call the PHC clinic where you would like to receive care. View clinic phone numbers.

Current patients can also message their care team through MyChart to request an appointment. Online self-scheduling is not available. A request does not confirm an appointment.

Do you offer same-day sick visits?

Same-day appointments may be available for illnesses or other health concerns. Call your clinic to ask about openings. Availability varies by location and provider.

Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance?

Yes. PHC accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Contact your insurance plan to confirm that PHC and your provider are in your network and your care is covered.

Can I get care if I do not have insurance?

Yes. Ask your clinic about PHC’s sliding fee discount program. Discounts are based on household income and family size. A health benefits specialist can explain how to apply and help you explore insurance options.

What should I bring to my visit?

Bring your insurance card if you have one, a list of medicines and supplements, any forms your clinic requested, and questions you want to discuss.

View patient resources for help preparing for your appointment.

Meet your care team

Our Family Medicine Providers

Get to know PHC’s family medicine providers. View their profiles to learn about their training and clinic locations. Call your preferred clinic to ask about appointments with a provider.

View clinic phone numbers

Ready to Make an Appointment?

Whether you need a checkup, a sick visit or a regular primary care provider, call your preferred PHC clinic to ask about available appointments.

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Information for you and your family

Family Health Resources

Learn about checkups, medicines, follow-up care and other everyday health topics. Explore articles from Primary Health Care.

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