Have you ever experienced abrupt discomforts like persistent back pain, unusual rashes, or flu symptoms? If so, who did you consult regarding your condition?
In cases such as those mentioned above, know that a family doctor can address these kinds of sickness. These physicians assess and treat a wide range of medical issues across all ages. They concentrate on the wellness and health of their client no matter the age.
Please keep in mind, though, that emergencies are an exemption. When faced with a medical crisis, it’s best to proceed to the emergency department.
However, many people visit the emergency room (ER) even for their non-urgent needs. To help decongest ERs, here are reasons why it’s good to have regular check-ups with a family doctor, such as those from Erikson Family Medicine.
Patients Receive Twice Attention from Family Doctors
Compared to walk-in clinics, a family physician attends to 20–25 medical patients per day. Walk-in facilities typically oversee 40–50 patients in approximately eight hours. As a result, family doctors have sufficient time to examine their clients’ health concerns, worries, and issues.
If you look at the figures carefully, you can deduce that family physicians devote twice the amount of attention to patients versus walk-in centers. Aside from the one-on-one consultation, these doctors spend significant time investigating and assessing your chart to help you attain better health.
Additionally, most family doctors are open to emergency phone consultations, so they can provide optimal care. Some even accept same-day consultations if your condition is severe.
Family Doctors Can Help Recommend Other Specialists
If you require a specialist, your family doctor can recommend the right physician to fit your needs. Suppose you need a consultant specializing in cancer, gynecology, neurology, dermatology, or cardiology. Your physician can search for the fitting specialist that can provide you the treatment you prefer.
Furthermore, your family doctor typically has connections with financial services, social programs, community resources, or telemedicine resources. Keep in mind that several families at some point in their lives may require access to these resources but may not know how to approach these facilities. If you have a family physician, they can guide you on how you can avail of these services.
Regular Check-Ups with Your Doctor Aids in Early Diagnoses of Illnesses
Family medicine practices are prominent because they provide annual check-ups. These regular health examinations are beneficial so that you know your baseline health status. Moreover, you’ll be able to determine any changes you need to make so you can be healthier.
Besides those reasons, routine medical checks are vital for the early detection of diseases. If you diagnose an illness early, you can treat or cure it before the condition gets worse.
Here are some examples of yearly medical assessments that adults can accomplish:
- Physical exam
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Counseling
- Cholesterol screening
- Blood pressure screening
- Breast screening
- Cervical exams
- Prostate and testicular exams
- Diabetes screening
- Immunization (e.g., flu shot)
- Infectious disease screening
Also, in the case that your family has a steady history of polyps or colon cancer, discuss with your doctor if you’ll need colon cancer screening—this is especially pertinent as you get older. Moreover, if you have immediate relatives with skin cancer, ask your physician to assess your skin.
Family Medicine Facilities Can Handle More Than Annual Check-Ups
Indeed, annual routine check-ups are essential. Even so, they’re not the only procedures that family medicine physicians can perform.
These practitioners can oversee your arthritis, asthma, minor injuries, sinus infections, and various other conditions. Furthermore, some doctors can conduct a simple surgical procedure, like flushing an abscess or freezing warts.
Patients Build Relationships with a Family Physician
With family doctors attending to the whole family, they’re able to form long-term relationships with their patients. Since the patients trust their physician, they’re more comfortable asking about their medical issues and sharing personal details. They likewise raise matters that they may not possibly ask a doctor they don’t know well.
As a matter of fact, because of this particular relationship, these doctors can discern just by talking if there is a crucial emotional or physical shift in their clients.
Family Clinics Can Attend to Everyone
Do you have relatives looking for a new physician? You can recommend your family physician so that these practitioners will be able to assess the whole family’s health.
When someone gets sick, it’s simpler for a doctor to understand the patient’s condition when they know someone’s medical history, the medical history of their relatives, and how the rest of the family’s health is as well. If a doctor can pinpoint who got sick first, they can determine where an infection originated.
These experts can provide an exact diagnosis and watch out for any potential medication issues. When a doctor oversees several generations of a family, they’re able to document the family health history and know what complications may be hereditary.
Patients Improve Their Health While Economizing
Finally, seeking a family physician for the entire family can help you maintain your health while saving your hard-earned cash. Preventative healthcare allows you to avoid expensive visits to the ER or longer hospital stays, and family physicians tend to be more affordable than other kinds of healthcare providers. With your family availing regular check-ups from your doctor, you’ll experience better health and fewer hospital admissions while saving money.
Final Thoughts
Overall, having a family doctor means a physician will oversee the health of babies, kids, teens, and adults in your family. These practitioners often treat their patients for a lifetime.
Because family doctors can deal with a broad range of medical issues, they’re professionals who can be your primary healthcare provider at any time of your life. This allows them to create a special relationship with their clients.
Family doctors are able to view a family’s long-term medical history and have special insights into their lifestyle. As a result, they can broaden their diagnosis to incorporate social and environmental factors that may have led to a family condition. Remember, even if your family doesn’t have any medical issues, it’s vital to undergo routine check-ups to prevent any future complications.