Family practice physicians form a partnership with you for convenient and
cost-effective health care. When you choose a family physician, you're choosing
a family healthcare specialist who puts preventive medicine high on his or her
list. Family physicians are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat you and
your family for a broad spectrum of illnesses. Plus, they look at the big
picture--of you, your family, and your environment. Because they treat your
entire family, you don't need a different specialist for your family's various
illnesses, which can save you time and money.
A recognized specialist
Your family physician is qualified to work in all major medical areas and can
treat the vast majority of your health problems. In fact, family doctors
maintain responsibility for your overall care, even when they refer to a
specialist. And unlike other kinds of medical doctors, family practice
physicians are specifically trained to care for all members of your
family--from infants and adolescents, to adults and seniors.
Putting preventive medicine first
By taking an active role in preventive medicine, your family practice
physician is telling you he or she is just as interested in keeping you healthy
as getting you well. Your doctor wants to be your partner for health, not just
when you're sick, but also when you're well, which offers a significant cost
savings because the greatest economy of all comes from staying well. It's part
of the whole-person concept of "care with caring" practiced by family
physicians.
A whole-life approach
By gathering information about you and your family that includes everyday job
stresses, family dynamics, and special life situations, your family practice
physician views your health from a unique and invaluable perspective. Your
family history and personal circumstances are valuable to your family doctor.
And the doctor is also in a position to assist you with ethical decisions
because of knowing your needs and preferences.
A baseline for health
This is simply a record of health information that generally taken when you're
well. As problems arise they can be compared to that baseline for an even
clearer and quicker diagnosis. Your family physician will make sure you and
your family are immunized against preventable illness, and will encourage
healthy habits like not smoking, moderate use of alcohol, regular exercise, and
a healthful diet. Your family physician can provide you with materials that
will help you better understand your health needs. Your doctor will also
schedule appropriate check-ups and tests for someone your age and gender.
Preventive healthcare saves you money
It's the kind of care that saves you money by allowing your family physician
to detect many problems early on, when they are easiest--and least costly--to
treat. You don't have to travel to a different doctor or have duplicate records
and expenses. This healthcare partnership is built on continuing contact
between you and your family physician, the one doctor who specializes in you.
