My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
A family doctor is a bit like a long-time friend. You might not talk to them on a daily basis, but they're there when you need them. And that relationship can last for life, through good times and bad. That's why you need to choose wisely.
The Role of a Family Doctor
A family practice physician is a generalist. They treat all types of conditions, from early childhood to the golden years, which may not always be so golden. A family doctor will help your child get over early childhood diseases like sore throats and earaches. They will prevent communicable diseases, such as pertussis, measles, and mumps. Early prevention measures can help your kids avoid teenage threats like meningitis and human papillomavirus (HPV). And your family physician will be there when you or your child breaks a bone, contracts influenza or COVID-19, or develops kidney disease, diabetes, or dementia.
As a family practice doctor, your primary doctor is a jack of all trades. But that doesn't mean they didn't get advanced training in a particular field. General practitioners need to be licensed, which means they need to know a lot about every field. They also need to maintain certification through an ongoing process of continuing medical education, as well as keep up with new information, technologies, and research, which encompasses a wide variety of specialties. They also need to know when they need to refer a patient to a specialist in a particular field.
The Ongoing Healthcare Journey
A family physician relies on many sources to ensure the best patient care. In this digital age, that means they have access to your electronic health records. Each time you visit your doctor, go to an emergency medical facility, or get a prescription refilled, it's part of your digital record and your primary doctor has access to it. That ensures that they are aware of your entire medical history, treatments, medications, drug interactions, and anything else that pertains to your medical care.
Choosing a Primary Doctor
Many people stay with the same family doctor they had as children, which ensures the continuum of knowledgeable health care. But others are faced with finding a new doctor. Perhaps their doctor retired and didn't pass on the medical practice to an acceptable successor, or your insurance plan requires that you visit only doctors who are enrolled in its provider group.
It's important to do your research to find the best doctor that not only fits your health needs but is someone who matches well with your preferences, beliefs, and personality. You can do that by talking to your insurance provider, your friends, and those who leave reviews on a health provider's website or on social media. And if a particular doctor isn't a good fit, it's ok to keep looking. Doctors understand that not every match will result in the long-term relationship you're looking for.
Contact a family doctor near you to learn more.
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