Have you ever found yourself coming down with sudden flu-like symptoms, unexpected rash, annoying neck and back pain, or other issues that need attention?
More importantly, have you experienced these symptoms and didn’t know where to turn for help?
Well, if so, then you probably needed a family physician.
More often than not, a family doctor can treat most healthcare situations.
Medical emergencies are an exception, of course. However, far too many Americans visit the emergency room for minor medical conditions.
The primary source of health care should be a medical center that specializes in family medicine and preventative care. Here are 5 reasons why you should have a family doctor.
Family Doctors Know Your Medical History
Unlike urgent care physicians, family physicians pay close attention to your family health history. They look at the health history of multiple generations of your family to help them record an accurate health screening.
Your family doctor needs to understand your family’s medical history to help determine what you could be at risk for. For instance, if your mother and grandmother had heart disease, then you could be prone to having heart disease.
Your family doctor will treat you and your whole family for years, updating your family health history with each visit.
Family Doctors Are Trained To Treat Your Medical Issues
Many people make the mistake of going to an emergency room for minor illnesses and health conditions. Going to an urgent care facility for a common condition is not necessary. It may also be more expensive.
Family doctors perform yearly check-ups and will help you to manage your chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and so much more. They can also help you through pregnancy and treat acute medical conditions such as sinus infections, strep throat, and most injuries.
Family doctors may also perform diagnostic and minor surgical procedures, such as:
- Allergy injections
- Flu shots immunizations
- Joint injections
- Biopsy and excision of skin lesions
- Incision and drainage of abscesses
- Lab services
- Norplant placement and removal
- Vasectomy and circumcision
- Palliative care
- Obstetrics, prenatal care, and delivery & postpartum care
- Treadmill testing
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy, colposcopy. And bone densitometry
- Women’s pelvic and breast exams
- And so much more
Family Doctors Helps You Save Money
Research studies have documented strong associations between lower health care spending and primary care physicians’ supply in the United States. A national survey data suggested that family physicians provide more cost-effective health care than other primary care physicians.
Using more primary care with a family doctor saves money for a healthcare system. For example, for every 10,000 people that go to a family doctor instead of other primary care physicians, hospital admissions are lowered by 5.5 percent. Also, emergency room visits and surgeries are reduced by 11 percent!
Family doctors not only save you money, but they save your family’s lives every day.
Family Doctors Can Connect You With A Specialist
If you have a health condition that needs specialized treatment, then a family doctor can refer you to a specialist! Your family doctor can find you someone who fits your exact needs.
Whether you have heart disease, cancer, or other serious health concern, your specialized treatment is just a reference call away. You can trust your family doctor to provide you with a reference on a top-notch physician that specializes in the treatment that you need.
Family Doctors Offer Long Term Care
Family doctors treat a wide range of health conditions, and they can be your primary care physician at any point in your life. No matter what age you are, family doctors will treat you now, tomorrow, and many years from now.
You can build a well-established and long-lasting relationship with your family doctor. This sense of stability can provide you with the peace of mind that you have an experienced and caring doctor on your side whenever you need them. If you’re looking for a family doctor, then call the Medical Centre of Lehigh Acres today!
