Who do you call first when you have a weird rash, nagging back pain, or sudden flu symptoms? A family doctor should be the right answer to this question. Well, of course, with the exception of emergencies. A lot of people choose not to have a family doctor. But then, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t partner with a versatile family doctor who will oversee your family’s health care needs.

Here are five reasons why you should have a family doctor.

1. They take care of the whole family.

Everybody wants the best for their loved ones, right? When you have a family doctor, they can make your family stay healthy. People with family doctors are more likely to take their family members for check-ups and examinations. Check-ups are crucial for preventing illnesses and staying healthy.

2. Medical examinations are more accurate and efficient.

Meeting the same doctor several times has a huge advantage over meeting with a different doctor every time you need medical care. You see, when a doctor treats you for years, they get to know and understand your medical history well. This helps them to make accurate and efficient examinations. They can easily notice red flags regarding medication, as well as monitor your health changes over the years.

Additionally, the ‘family’ in family doctors is crucial. Treating multiple generations of a family helps the doctor to have an accurate understanding of the family’s health history. For instance, if your doctor knew you had cancer at a young age, and so did your father, that should be a red flag. The doctor can recommend genetic testing and come up with a screening plan, not just for you, but for your entire family.  

Understanding your medical history and that of your family is just part of the picture. Knowing what’s happening at home is important as well. Such information can be helpful in some situations; for instance, when assessing stress and anxiety in a child whose mother has just lost her job.

3. They treat the whole person.

Yes, family doctors are passionate about treating the whole you. The goal of family medicine is to nurture a patient-centered relationship for the whole lifespan of the patient. If you find a family doctor that connects well with your personality, you have a supportive life-long friend.

4. Family physicians are extensively trained.

Upon graduating from a medical school, a family doctor must complete a three-year medical program. During this time, they are trained in six medical areas: gynecology and obstetrics, internal medicine, psychiatry and neurology, pediatrics, community medicine, and surgery. Some family physicians proceed to receive training in other areas such as urology, emergency medicine, radiology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics.

5. Family medicines are the best in managing chronic illnesses.

Ongoing personalized care is crucial when it comes to managing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, stroke, and cancer. Your family doctor will provide just that for all chronic illness cases in the family. 

Are you ready to team with supportive long-life friends? Bayless Integrated Healthcare is available at the Moon Valley location to handle all your family medical needs.