Family Medicine provides comprehensive evaluation and care to meet the total health needs of each family member. Family Medicine healthcare providers offer prompt, complete assessment of the patient in their home communities and are able to obtain and coordinate consultation with other specialists when necessary. Family providers receive training in six broad areas of medicine: pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and community medicine. With the diverse training, these providers are able to offer comprehensive care from infant age child to elderly adult.

The following 10 reasons outline the importance of having a family medicine provider.

1. Complete Healthcare

Where should you go if you develop a cough, if you’re feeling anxious and depressed, or if you are curious about a certain vaccine? The answer: your family medicine clinic! Your family medicine provider focuses on complete healthcare, meaning they are trained in treating a little bit of everything and coordinates patient healthcare in one central location. With a family medicine provider, you only need to make one appointment to discuss a variety of health issues you might be experiencing, whether they are physical, emotional or mental.

2. Better Manage Chronic Diseases

Chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory issues are often difficult to monitor by yourself. A family medicine provider can help you stay organized and aware of how your chronic disease is affecting your body. Scheduling regular visits and performing routine tests are two ways your healthcare provider can help you better maintain your chronic disease.

3. Higher Level of Comfort

Most people do not love talking to strangers, especially about their healthcare needs and concerns. Choosing a family medicine provider you trust is the first step. The next step is scheduling regular appointments with your provider so that you can discuss your concerns and overall health. The more you visit a healthcare provider you trust, the better your relationship and the better your care.

4. Transparency of Entire Health History

Routine visits with your family medicine provider not only help with your comfort level, but they also build on your health history. Knowledge of your health history, as well as your family health history, is imperative for prevention of diseases and also helps your provider catch early symptoms of serious conditions.

5. Lower Overall Health Costs

Attending regular appointments with your family medicine office might seem tedious and like a waste of money at times, but research suggests that routine appointments with a family medicine providers cut overall health costs for patients. Regular screenings, open communication, and a record of your health history all contribute to an overall lower cost of healthcare.

6. Routine Screenings

Taking your blood pressure at every appointment might seem like a task, but screenings like these hold great importance when it comes to your health. Undergoing testing on a regular basis helps catch symptoms before they get worse or lead to debilitating health issues.

7. Catch Health Issues Early

While routine screenings may find certain symptoms of health issues before they become larger problems, your family medicine provider also knows you well enough to ask the right questions and detect other health issues in their early stages.

8. Referrals to Other Medical Specialists

Do you need a referral to see a gastroenterologist or a cardiologist? Start with an appointment with your family medicine doctor. Chances are your provider has helpful recommendations for specialists since they are familiar with how you prefer to participate in your healthcare.

9. Decrease in Hospital and ER Visits

Research shows that patients who regularly visit their family medicine providers have fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits than those who do not utilize family medicine clinics. Waiting too long to see a medical provider or ignoring symptoms can lead to a hospitalization or an ER visit, two of the most expensive and overwhelming outcomes for patients.

10. Better Patient-provider Communication

Communication is a two-way street, especially when it comes to your health. Communicating your health wants, needs and concerns are crucial for your healthcare provider to address your health appropriately. Likewise, your family medicine provider should also feel comfortable holding honest conversations with you regarding their concerns and thoughts regarding your health.

South Central Has a Family Medicine Provider for You

Are you or a loved one looking for a family medicine provider? Look no further than here. Search by specialty or a clinic’s name to find the best fit for you!

Click Here to View All South Central Family Medicine Providers.