Most people do not even think about looking for a doctor until they are sick. And if they do not already have a family practice physician, they will likely end up in an urgent care clinic or an emergency room. There are many reasons why this is not the best possible scenario for a person's health and well-being. If you do not currently have a family practice doctor, get to know a few of the reasons why it is important to have one. This way you can be sure you are doing what is best for you and your health going forward.
A Family Doctor Will Know Your Health History
One of the major problems with going to an urgent care clinic or an emergency room every time you need care is that these doctors will not have your full medical history. Because of that, they will not be able to detect patterns in your health conditions or the like. Not knowing your history or your family medical history can lead to an incorrect diagnosis, and can even cause your doctors to miss certain health conditions you may suffer from unknowingly.
Your health history and your family health history are maintained and updated by a family practice physician. They will be able to refer to these records as needed over the course of your treatment, and will be able to provide additional screenings and tests for ailments that may run in your family. Having access to this information improves the quality of care you will receive and can help to detect serious health ailments early.
A Family Doctor Provides Preventive Care
Urgent care clinics and emergency rooms are designed to provide what is known as acute care. This means that they are trained to deal with illnesses and injuries after they have occurred. This leaves little to no room for preventive care. Preventive care is medical testing, screenings, and care that can prevent illnesses and health issues. This can include cancer screenings, pap smears, blood tests, and more.
Preventive care can keep you from getting sick, so that you do not have to wait to go to the doctor until you are suffering. Getting an annual flu shot is a part of the process of getting preventive care. An annual physical exam is also an important part of the preventive care process. These exams will give you an overall picture of your health and will help you to treat any major health problems that develop when they are still in the early stages. This could mean the difference between a diagnosis of mildly high cholesterol and a diagnosis of coronary artery disease that requires serious treatments like surgery.
Now that you know some of the reasons why having a good family practice doctor is so important, you can be sure that you find yourself a physician that can provide you with the best possible care going forward. Contact companies like Choice Medical Group for more information.
