Suppose you are suddenly, unexpectedly ill. It might be flu symptoms, a fever, shortness of breath, or pain in your lower back. Who are you going to contact? Certainly not your nearest ER, which is reserved for true medical emergencies. An urgent care facility might be an option, but it’s one where the attending physician likely doesn’t know you and may never see you again, and where you will probably have to pay more in out-of-pocket expenses.
For most healthcare situations, you’re better off having a family doctor, someone you have chosen and with whom you have established an ongoing relationship. Your family doctor is familiar with your medical history and your specific healthcare needs and can provide you with primary care on an ongoing basis.
5 Major Benefits of Having a Family Doctor
There are several key advantages to having a family physician:
A Family Doctor can Treat you at Any Age.
Family practitioners are trained to meet the healthcare needs of anyone – children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults, and seniors. They can serve as your healthcare provider for years or even decades, treating a wide range of conditions. Over the long term, you can build a lasting relationship with your family doctor that works to your benefit because they truly get to know you.
Over Time, Your Family Doctor will Develop a Thorough Understanding of your Personal and Family History.
As a result, they can make more accurate diagnoses, monitor changes in your health, and prescribe more appropriate and effective medications. With an in-depth knowledge of your family history, they can also recommend vital screening if you or other family members are at risk of certain diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or cancer.
A Family Practitioner’s Expertise Extends Beyond Routine Check-ups.
They also can help you manage chronic conditions, such as arthritis, hypertension, respiratory disease, obesity, or oral diseases, as well as acute conditions, such as sinus infections and physical injuries. They can even perform minor surgical procedures, such as draining an abscess or freezing a wart.
Family Doctors Provide the Best Referrals.
If you need to see a specialist for a serious medical concern, your family doctor can match you with someone who fits your specific needs. For example, if you prefer conservative treatments, your family doctor will know from experience to recommend a specialist who favors a less aggressive approach.
Family Doctors are Cost-effective.
Data shows that primary care reduces not only hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and surgeries, but also total healthcare spending. While saving money, they also offer you and your family better, more patient-focused healthcare.
Family Doctor Near You in South Florida and Central Florida
At Palm Medical Centers in Hollywood, Florida, and additional locations throughout South Florida and Central Florida, our board-certified primary care physicians are highly trained experts who can have a significant impact on you and your whole family’s health and well-being.
We utilize the latest advances in modern medicine to diagnose, treat, and support our patients, providing the type of personalized, comprehensive healthcare– with an emphasis on preventive care – to ensure you’re enjoying the highest quality of life possible.
To learn more about our primary care services or to become a patient at Palm Medical Centers, call us at (833) 500-PALM (7256). We have 26 medical centers located throughout South Florida and Central Florida. You can also schedule a tour of your preferred site, at no cost or obligation to you.
