Family physicians, such as Dr. Michael Cavanagh in Westminster, have the answers to most healthcare issues. In a highly sophisticated medical world, having a doctor who understands your health history is very important. In fact, studies show that patients with primary care providers enjoy a lower overall cost of health care, high satisfaction levels, and better management of chronic health issues. Below is a rundown of some of the benefits you can expect by building a relationship with a reliable family physician.
Continuity of Care
Family physicians are responsible for providing their patients with comprehensive care. By having a doctor that you can regularly visit for routine checkups and every other health issue, you will be building an excellent record of your medical history. Over time, your family physician will have a comprehensive snapshot of your medical profile. This will go a long way in enabling him or her to diagnose illnesses in a more accurate manner. In case you require any specialized treatment, your primary physician will refer you to the right specialists, and keep track of all specialty care that you may receive.
Prevention
The best way to deal with most illnesses is through prevention. By having a family doctor, you will be in a better position to know the diseases that are most likely to affect you long before they do. In other words, a family physician can identify the risk factors that you are exposed to and come up with comprehensive preventive measures. For instance, if you have a genetic predisposition to diseases such as diabetes or cancer, your family physician will help you with a plan on how you are going to protect yourself from these diseases.
Medication Management
More than a third of all Americans take prescription drugs and the majority of those who do, take an average of four. Unfortunately, the drugs are usually prescribed by different doctors, and therefore, the chances of side effects are high as the drugs interact in the patient’s body. In this regard, family doctors serve as gatekeepers, keeping track of the various medications that their patients take, and monitoring any changes in frequency or dosage that could result in severe side effects.
Time Saving
Having a primary doctor goes a long way in saving the time it takes to address any given medical issue. For instance, if you go for regular checkups to a specific doctor, any emerging issues can be addressed within the shortest time possible and at their earliest stages of development when it is still easy to treat them. Besides, when you have a doctor who fully understands you, some diagnosis can even be performed over the phone, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that the importance of primary care cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs a family physician who comprehensively understands their medical profile for easy diagnosis and treatment of medical issues as soon as they emerge. If you are looking for a reliable primary care provider, contact Westmed Family Healthcare today for more information.