The Essential Roles Family Doctors Perform for Their Patients
In 1969 the United States officially recognized family medicine as a medical specialty. In the past five decades, family physicians have become an integral part of the healthcare system, with over 200,000 practicing primary care physicians in the country. According to statistics, 30% of adults in the United States reported having consulted or visited their family health physician at least once a year. Unlike most medical specialists, family medicine practitioners provide comprehensive care to all types and ages of patients instead of focusing on a specific disease of part of the body. They treat several health conditions and cater to millions of people each year. Here are the five essential roles family doctors play in the health and wellness of their patients: Provide Preventive Care One of the main functions of family doctors is providing health maintenance and disease prevention. They provide complete care, which includes addressing the mental and emotional needs of...