There are many definitions and interpretations of family doctors or primary care providers. The World Health Organization defines primary health care as an overall approach to health and well-being considering the needs and preferences of an individual, his or her family and the community as a whole. It addresses important aspects including mental and social health as well as other health determinants such as the environment and economy. Primary health care comes from a commitment to equity and social justice. However, figures show that fewer adults in the country visit their primary care doctors. Here are reasons why you should visit your doctor.
Improves health outcomes
A few studies back this claim as they demonstrate that having a regular family doctor reduces mortality, hospitalizations, and health care expense. It is effective in addressing poor health, making it a good investment for it decreases health care costs. It improves threats to health such as epidemics and bacteria resistance.
Builds your health history
Knowledge of family medical history is important not just in diagnosing an illness but also in preventing future diseases as your physician can catch symptoms of serious conditions early on. Most family practitioners treat a range of conditions and you can get primary care from them at any point in your life. When the doctor knows your family history of illness, it helps them make accurate diagnoses.
Provides holistic care
A family doctor is trained in addressing a little bit of everything and treating a patient in one central location, regardless of if you are experiencing a physical or emotional problem. Providing holistic care means treating you based on your family, personal experience or other major aspects of life. It is the goal of family doctors to nurture patient-centered relationships, giving integrated care over a person’s lifespan.
Better level of comfort
If you have a trusted primary care provider, you can have someone you feel comfortable with to talk about your health concerns. The more you visit your doctor, the better your relationship will be. By having one person to go to for your family’s medical conditions, you skip the need to adjust or feel awkward on the first visit. You need not even discuss everything that happened previously because previous illnesses are recorded.
Referrals you can trust
When you need a specialist for more serious health conditions, your family doctor is the best person to refer you to someone who fits your needs or even your personality. They know the best doctors around to help you with your health care.
Family doctors have extensive training in major areas including pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, surgery, neurology, community medicine, and other areas. They can treat you better than you think. They can help manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart ailments, and cancer. The list goes on of what they can do. Your first goal is to find the right one whom you know you can trust. Choose wisely, just how healthcare companies choose the right physician recruiter to handle the sourcing for them.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
2018 ·
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