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Benefits Of Going To A Family Medicine Practice

A family medicine practice offers many benefits to individuals and families seeking a doctor for primary care services. A primary care doctor is your first point of contact for medical care. This is the first physician you see when you get sick, need a check-up or vaccine, or want to get your symptoms evaluated.

With different types of primary care doctors to choose from, it’s important that you know what makes family medicine physicians a top choice for most people. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going to a family medicine practice.

Convenience

Family medicine physicians are trained and experienced in seeing patients of all ages. If you have a family, this can be extremely convenient for you. Instead of having different primary care doctors for yourself, your children, and your parents, everyone can be seen at a family medicine practice. This can translate into significant saved time, money, and energy. For instance, you can schedule annual check-ups or the flu shot for the entire family at the same time and place.

Familiarity with Family Medical History

Another important benefit of being part a family medicine practice is that you and your family members will be taken care of long-term. For instance, if a certain illness runs in your family, your family medicine doctor will be on the lookout when caring for your parents, you, and your children. Your doctor will understand how the health of your parents can influence your health, and how your health can influence your children’s health. An example of this is heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes – all of which can be passed down in families. Having a physician with insight into your entire family’s health history is invaluable.

Continuity of Care

Another benefit of seeing a family care doctor is continuity of care for you and your family. A family medicine doctor can treat patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients. This means your children can see their childhood doctor when they become adults without any issues. It also means that you won’t have to change doctors as you get older and your healthcare needs change. Due to their experience in providing primary care for all age groups, a family medicine doctor will be able to take care of you at every stage of life.

Personalized Preventative Care

Getting treatment for illnesses is not the only reason to visit a family medicine practice. When it comes to your health, prevention is always the key. Your family doctor is your partner in maintaining your overall health and well-being. They can recognize patterns in your health over time and see which illnesses you are prone to develop. So, the care they give will be tailor-fitted to your needs.

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington, we have a holistic approach to health. Our services go far beyond simply treating illnesses as they sprout up, and include:

●      Weight control and nutritional guidance

●      Techniques in managing stress and depression

●      Contraception and fertility counseling

●      Strategies on how to maximize physical exercise

Diagnostic Services

Family medicine practices are equipped to provide diagnostic services that are commonly required for primary care. Examples of diagnostic services you can take advantage of at a family medicine practice include:

●      Blood draws

●      EKG

●      Echocardiography

●      Pulmonary function testing

●      MRIs

●      CT scans

Family Practice in Wellington, FL

If you’re looking for excellent primary care from a family practice in Wellington, FL, your search is over. Advanced Medical Clinic is a leading facility for family health. Our team of providers focuses on achieving optimal health for you and your family. We do this by administering compassionate and patient-centered care.

We have offices conveniently located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. If you want to visit us or learn more about our services, give us a call at (561) 434-1935. You can also request an appointment online.

Top Questions To Ask Your Family Doctor

Having a family doctor is essential for accessing adequate medical services. Family doctors are generalists who can deal with health issues impacting people at all stages of life. They help diagnose health problems and provide effective treatments to alleviate them. They can also refer patients to specialists for more extensive treatment, when necessary.

Building a strong professional relationship with your family doctor is paramount to ensuring the well-being of you and your family members. You can start cultivating this bond by asking these questions during your first appointment.

What are your credentials and experience level?

While standards exist to ensure that primary care physicians meet adequate healthcare competencies, each doctor has their unique skill set. Experiences from working on real-life cases can provide insight and expertise that complement theoretical practice. As such, it’s good to check if your doctor’s experience aligns with your needs. For instance, if you have diabetes, you want a doctor who routinely treats patients with this condition.

It’s also wise to inquire about your doctor’s credentials. In particular, board certification provides concrete evidence that a doctor has mastery in their medical practice.

What healthcare services do you offer?

Family doctors can address a wide range of medical conditions, given their status as general practitioners. However, you should make sure your doctor is adequately equipped to handle your family’s specific needs.

Note that specific diagnostic tests and treatment options might require relatively uncommon equipment. As such, it helps to discuss the medical history of your family members with your doctor, so you can tentatively plan for medical services you might need in the future.

Work with a doctor who continuously updates their practice with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art techniques. Innovative doctors will allow you to take better advantage of new developments in medicine.

What check-ups and screening procedures do my family members need?

An annual check-up is a norm for some adults, but the ideal frequency can depend on various factors. If there is a family history of specific illnesses, you might need more frequent check-ups. Having a chronic disease also warrants a more frequent check-up schedule to ensure you remain in control of your condition.

Age also matters when planning check-ups. Children might need more visits to the family doctor to check if they are meeting essential growth milestones. The elderly may also need more screening tests as the risk of some diseases rises with age.

What vaccines does my child need?

Vaccines protect your child from many illnesses and encourage herd immunity. If enough people are vaccinated in a community, those who are unable to take a vaccine will still receive protection. Hence, you should ensure that your child gets the vaccines they need.

Vaccination schedules can be complicated, as specific doses work best at certain ages. Many programs also incorporate booster shots to lengthen the duration of immunity. Coordinate with your family doctor to ensure that everyone completes their vaccination schedules.

How can I access your services?

During your first meeting, establish logistics with your family doctor. Inquire about their schedule, so you can plan accordingly. Consider how you’ll go to and from the doctor’s office, especially if you live far from the facility. Check out the facility premises, especially if a family member has accessibility needs.

Likewise, establish communication lines with your family doctor. Will they respond to email inquiries, or do they prefer phone calls? Know how to reach your doctor, so you’re better prepared when an emergency happens.

Ask if your doctor has telemedicine options. Virtual consultations can save time and allow people who cannot go outside to still get medical advice. The presence of telemedicine options also indicates that your doctor embraces technology and innovation.

What are your office policies?

Don’t forget to ask about appointment options. Would you need to schedule in advance, or can you have same-day and walk-in appointments? Finally, ask about financial considerations, such as insurance coverage and payment methods.

Family Care In Wellington And Royal Palm Beach, FL

Having an experienced and compassionate family doctor is crucial for your health and that of your family members. Establishing a strong relationship with them starts with asking about their expertise and services. You should also discuss your medical needs, as well as the ways you can contact your doctor in emergency situations. Working with a reliable and professional medical provider is a big step toward securing your health.

With facilities in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Advanced Medical provides top-notch primary and urgent care to Florida’s families. Our physicians design comprehensive treatment plans to address a wide range of urgent and non-urgent conditions. Call us at (561) 434-1935 and set up an appointment to learn more. We hope to see you soon!