Primary Care First

Primary Care First is a medical practice with offices in Shrewsbury and Hamilton, New Jersey. Adult primary care sits alongside a range of aesthetic treatments and a medically supervised weight loss program, so patients can handle routine medical needs and cosmetic concerns in one practice. Dr. Normy Dessalines leads the practice.

The practice says it puts patients' health and medical care first and aims to help them feel better as quickly as possible. It describes its goal as exceeding patient expectations. Patients can reach the office through a helpline, by email, or through the patient portal messaging center. After hours, a physician on call can be reached through the main phone number. Prescription refills can be requested through the pharmacy or by portal message, though new medications, medication adjustments, and refills after a patient runs out require an appointment.

Most major health plans and networks are accepted. Patients are asked to confirm that their doctor is in network with their insurance and to bring an insurance card to the visit, and a patient coordinator checks coverage on the day of the first appointment. Cash-pay patients can receive prompt-pay discounts.

The aesthetics side offers a free consultation. Neuromodulator (Botox) injections are used to temporarily soften facial wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers include five types of Juvéderm, which add volume to the lips, chin, nasolabial folds and cheeks for adults over 21; the practice says Juvéderm Voluma XC can last up to a year in the chin. Laser skin rejuvenation is offered for men and women of all skin types with no downtime. Laser Genesis uses a Cutera device to gently heat the skin and is mainly used to address scarring, redness, broken vessels and rosacea. Laser hair removal, also performed with a Cutera device, is offered for all skin types, though it works best on coarse dark brown and black hair. Lime Light intense pulsed light treats vascular and pigmented lesions such as rosacea, facial and leg veins and age spots. Laser vein therapy is available for superficial facial veins and deeper leg veins.

Primary care covers adult medicine for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, with diagnosis and treatment. Same-day visits are available for illnesses like the flu and colds when a patient suspects they are coming down with something. Non-life-threatening injuries, including cuts, lacerations and joint pain, are treated, and the practice describes this care as costing a fraction of emergency room care. Physical exams check heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol and other measures. Telehealth visits use secure video conferencing and require either internet access by cell phone or an email account and a video camera.

The Clean Start Weight Loss Program is medically supervised by a licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. It requires a full medical history and lab testing before starting. The practice describes the program as able to help patients lose 16 to 20 pounds in eight weeks, and as burning fat rather than muscle while resetting metabolism. It uses real grocery-store food rather than packaged meals and includes a guidebook, food journal, tip sheets, a shopping list and a cookbook with over 50 recipes. Lipotropic injections, which only a licensed nurse or physician can give, may be part of the plan, and prescription medications and vitamin injections for energy can be included.

The practice says it puts patients' health and medical care first, with the aim of helping them feel better as quickly as possible.