We can all agree that keeping our families healthy is important. One effective way to keep everyone healthy, especially during these trying times, is by visiting a family medicine specialist.
Like a primary care doctor, a family/internal medicine specialist can offer medical care for patients with new and chronic illnesses. But these physicians do have some unique features that distinguish them in a positive way, especially for families.
In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about a family medicine specialist and how they can help you!
What Is a Family Medicine Specialist?
WebMD describes a family medicine specialist as someone who provides care to patients of all ages.
This means that, like family dentists, family medicine specialists are equipped to care for patients over 65, under 6 years old, and everywhere in between!
These services are ideal for busy families because it allows families to get their medical treatment in one centralized location instead of visiting the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, and the general practitioner.
Moreover, family medicine specialists are also equipped to handle chronic conditions, evaluate symptoms, offer preventative care, and more!
When Should Patients Visit A Family Medicine Specialist?
The answer is quite simple: Since a family medicine specialist can serve as a primary care physician, patients can see them whenever they require medical attention. Some of the most common services these providers offer are as follows:
- Routine checkups
- Immunizations
- Screening tests
- Healthy lifestyle counseling
- Treatment of chronic conditions
Some conditions such as a stomach virus, cold symptoms, sprains, or fractures can also be treated by a family medicine specialist. What’s more, they can also prescribe medications for patients and even refer patients to specialists.
Scheduling an appointment is only the first step in the journey of improving health. The next step is actually going to the appointment, which may be a bit intimidating.
What Should Patients Expect At An Appointment?
Patients who have never visited a family medicine specialist may be curious what differences they may encounter during their visit. And in truth, these visits are not all that different than a regular visit with a primary care doctor.
Once a patient is in the office with a family medicine specialist, they usually perform some routine checks and ask a series of questions to ensure the patient’s continued health or determine what’s disrupting their wellbeing.
Other than this, though, there isn’t much overlap among family medicine appointments because they’re designed to meet each individual patient’s needs. While there is no typical appointment, providers may perform a wide range of tests/exams, some of which may include the following:
- Vitals
- Blood tests
- Head and neck exams
- Abdominal exams
- Immunizations
- Skin exams
- Pap smears and other sexual health screenings for women
- Prostate exams and other sexual health screenings for men
- Infant and child screenings to evaluate growth
Health conditions don’t always have obvious symptoms, but by being seen regularly by family medicine specialist, patients can be proactive when it comes to their health.
How We Can Help
Family medicine is designed to keep patients healthy, diagnose and treating both early stage and chronic conditions.
Moreover, since patients of all ages can be served by MCR Health’s family medicine specialists, it’s a great option for busy, working families.
If you would like the help of qualified professionals to monitor your health, schedule an appointment right away!
