In today’s world, a growing number of people visit an ER or urgent care facility for non-emergencies. However, this hasn’t always been the case. It used to be common for an entire household to see the same doctor for these types of issues. There are some key benefits to having this type of personalized care at your disposal. Here are 5 reasons you need a family physician.
Personalized Attention
Modern physicians move quickly from patient to patient. It’s not unusual to feel like you’re just a number whose needs are viewed with a degree of cold skepticism. When you see a family practitioner, you’re likely to have a very different experience. They often see the same patients for decades and get to know them quite well. This makes them more inclined to give you the time and attention your condition requires, including phone consultations and appointments on short-notice.
Familiarity with Your Family History
Because of these lengthy relationships, physicians become well acquainted with each patient’s medical history. This can make all the difference in providing an accurate diagnosis, since they have a better idea what’s are likely to develop in a specific individual or family. For example, if there is a history of cancer in your family, that would be a red flag to your doctor. This might prompt them to recommend a screening plan and genetic counseling for at-risk family members.
Wide-Ranging Medical Knowledge
Most people think of a family doctor as someone to see for an annual check-up. However, they have a much broader understanding of the multitude of factors that can impact your overall health. They’ve been exposed to a number of different medical fields, which makes them an ideal solution for every member of the family, regardless of age or gender. They can treat injuries and infections, help you manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, perform minor surgeries, and even guide you through a pregnancy.
A Holistic Approach
A family physician is focused on all aspects of your health, rather than just a list of symptoms. This allows them to view your health in the context of contributing factors. Keep in mind that the nature of your job, your family situation, and even your values can help shed light on your medical condition. A family practitioner will have a better sense of what type of person you are, which can be invaluable in assessing issues that may be the result of stress or anxiety.
They Can Recommend the Right Specialists
In the event that you do need a specialist, they have contacts in various fields. Your doctor can help coordinate your care with them and help you better understand your condition. They can also provide needed insight into the complexities of the healthcare system. They can help you access both medical and community resources, along with any social services that may benefit you or your family.
Having a family physician is like having your own healthcare advocate. Injuries and illnesses are difficult enough without struggling to explain your situation to different doctors at each visit. Perhaps the biggest advantage of such personalized care is the level of trust established between doctor and patient.
