Your family physician acts as the first point of contact whenever you are in need of medical attention. Whether you are experiencing sudden flu symptoms or dealing with an unexpected rash, your family doctor offers treatment options for a wide range of issues..
Having a go-to family physician near you offers continuity of care, which is frequent contact between patient and their doctor. Continuity of care has been linked with lower death rates, improved patient trust, and higher satisfaction. When it comes to doctor-patient relationships, trust plays a huge role as one is more likely to disclose key information about themselves with a doctor they know well for a period of time. It is also helpful to have a doctor who knows your health history as it helps to make a better-informed diagnosis and offer advice tailored specifically to you.
Most Americans often use ERs as their primary source of care because they are unaware of the benefits of having a primary care physician. Here are 4 main reasons why you should have a family doctor nearby:
1. PCPs Follow Your Life Cycle
Family doctors are known to treat patients of varied age groups. From toddlers to teens and middle-aged people. A primary care physician typically treats the same patients for years and decades at a stretch for a wide range of conditions. You can start visiting a family doctor at any stage of your life. Staying with the same doctor means you are building a long, lasting relationship with them that allows the doctor to truly get to know you and offer the best treatment options.
2. They Understand Your Family History
One of the perks of seeing the same doctor over the course of many years is how well they end up knowing you, your body, and your medical history. They understand your health ticks, habits, and general state of just being. This gives them an advantage when it comes to diagnosing and treating you. Going frequently for checkups allows PCPs to watch your medical red flags and monitor any changes in your health over the years. When you go to a “family” doctor who has actually treated you and your family through generations, it allows them to record an accurate and in-depth family health history. They can spot triggers and red flags that they may have witnessed in a previous generation, recommending you to genetic counseling to strike out any risks.
3. They Are an Excellent Health Resource
Other than specialists, family doctors and primary care physicians are the best health resources. They offer a combination of personalized care with extensive family history knowledge which allows for creating an environment of good health resources for you and your family. They are not there just for an annual general check-up. Family doctors help you navigate chronic conditions and acute illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease as well.
4. They Assist With Finding Specialists
In case of serious medical conditions, your family physician helps you come up with a course of action that helps you navigate through this overwhelming period. Be it heart disease or cancer, when you need a medical specialist, your family doctor is your best guide as they find someone who fits your specific needs, preferences, and personality.
If you want to live a healthy life with a trusted and skilled medical professional by your side, contact Access Health Care Physicians to find a primary care physician best suited for you. Our family doctors are experienced in dealing with varied conditions and follow a compassionate care approach. We have locations throughout Florida to better serve you. Find a doctor near you today by visiting our physician directory.
