Family medicine is a medical discipline that encompasses the care of the entire family, from infants to the elderly. Family medicine doctors are trained in the care and treatment of most conditions for people of all ages.
The comprehensive care offered by family medicine doctors includes a host of health services.
Pediatric Medicine
Pediatric care by a family medicine physician starts at birth and includes well visits, vaccinations, and the treatment of common childhood illnesses. It includes all basic services that a pediatrician would offer.
Women’s Healthcare
Family medicine doctors provide OB/GYN care, including annual exams, pap smears, and prescribing contraception. They also provide pre-natal and post-natal care, and some even handle childbirth. Their services also include preventive care, such as mammograms.
Geriatric Medicine
Older family members can be treated by a family medicine doctor for chronic conditions and receive preventive care for age-related illnesses. A family medicine doctor can also manage medications and coordinate care with specialists that may be required.
General Medical Services for All Ages
Family medicine doctors offer general services, much like a primary care doctor, for family members of all ages.
Annual Physical Examinations
Annual physicals involve checking vital signs, running blood tests based on age and physical condition, and performing any other tests that may be appropriate based on the patient’s medical history. Patients can also discuss any medical concerns with the family medicine doctor during this annual visit.
The Treatment of Common Illnesses
Family medicine doctors can handle the treatment of common illnesses, such as the cold, flu, or other viruses. Treatment of these conditions is personalized to each patient in the family based on medical status and history.
Chronic Condition Management
Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can be managed by the family medicine physician, whether the condition requires regular screening, medication management, or other regular treatments. The family medicine physician will also work with any specialists that are involved in treating the chronic conditions.
Preventive Care
A family medicine doctor has access to the medical history of all family members and can perform screening for any conditions for which the family members may be at risk. They can also provide vaccinations, such as flu or COVID shots.
Minor Surgeries
Family medicine doctors can perform minor procedures, such as stitches and other wound care, cyst removal, and biopsies. The extent of the procedures and surgeries they can perform depends on that physician’s specific training and experience.
Connections to Specialists
A family medicine doctor can be your family’s care coordinator, referring you to specialists when necessary and coordinating your care. Examples of specialists you might be referred to include a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, or dermatologist. Your family medicine doctor will share your medical history with the specialists so that they can provide personalized treatment.
Family Medicine Benefits
Choosing a family medicine doctor provides many benefits to you and your family.
- They provide comprehensive care and are essentially a one-stop shop for all of your family’s health needs. They will have records of your family’s health history and any medical conditions, which helps them to offer more personalized treatment. Over time, your family members will develop a relationship with the doctor, which can give you comfort and peace of mind.
- Preventive care is a focus of family medicine, which is important in disease detection and prevention. Because they can offer health screenings as well as annual physicals, they can detect issues earlier, which is critical to positive outcomes.
- Family medicine providers have comprehensive knowledge and training, which gives them the ability to better diagnose and treat more conditions. This knowledge also enhances preventive care services and early detection of illnesses.
- Because a family medicine physician has extensive knowledge about the health and history of your entire family, they are better able to coordinate your care with specialists. This gives you a more comprehensive healthcare experience.
Choosing a Family Medicine Provider
When choosing a family medicine provider for your family, you should obtain a list of eligible providers from your insurance company. You can also ask your other family and friends for recommendations or find a family doctor with an office that’s convenient for you.
You should also ask questions to get some information about how the provider’s practice works. Questions to ask include:
- Is the practice a group or will I be treated by only one doctor?
- Does the doctor have experience with my family’s health conditions?
- What is the doctor’s education and training? Do they have any specializations?
- Does the doctor provide urgent care visits?
- Are tests like x-rays and bloodwork done in the office or do I have to go somewhere else?
Then, when you have your first appointment, talk to the doctor to get a feel for them and to see if you connect. You want someone who you are comfortable talking to and who you feel you can trust. Your family members should do the same at their first appointments.
In Closing
A family medicine doctor has comprehensive knowledge, and can treat your entire family, which allows them to better understand your family’s medical history and needs. Health Service Alliance offers family medicine services, providing a caring and nurturing environment when your family has healthcare needs. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and providers.
