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 their patients and identifying risks of diseases and any deficiencies. This allows family physicians to help their patients avoid serious illnesses and provide them with a proper plan for a healthy lifestyle.

Manage Common Health Complaints

The family physician is the go-to medical resource for common health complaints such as flu virus, bladder infections, and other aches and pains. They provide appropriate prescription medication as well as required immunizations to help their patients fight off various illnesses and health issues.



Diagnose Emerging Conditions

Family physicians provide treatment to families for long periods of time, which allows them to become quite familiar with their medical history. They are the first persons the patient confides in regarding any new or unusual symptoms. With the help of their patient’s medical records, the family physician can quickly diagnose any hidden or serious conditions that might be causing those symptoms. By detecting emerging conditions before they become too serious, the family physician can prescribe appropriate treatments where necessary and monitor their patient’s progress.

Manage Chronic Illnesses

Family physicians help their patients manage chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They provide ongoing personalized care for the various health challenges faced by their patients with the help of regular diagnostic tests and continuous assessment of their health conditions. They provide individualized treatment plans for their patients and make adjustments where required according to the status of their chronic illness to prevent it from getting worse.

Team up with the leading family physicians in Sacramento, California, to ensure the health and wellness of your entire family. Natomas Family Practice offers urgent care and the services of family medicine specialists for compassionate and patient-centered care for children, adults, and seniors.

 

 

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