Family medicine doctors form the foundation of you and your family's healthcare. Everyone knows that it's recommended to see a primary care physician, like a family medicine doctor or internal medicine doctor, at least once a year. However, a family medicine doctor offers more than a routine checkup. They can be the most consistent care provider you have, help you manage chronic issues and prescription medication, prevent life-threatening diseases, and in the process build a level of trust between you and generations of your family to come.

Consistency

The main quality you have in a family doctor is the consistency of care they provide. Seeing a family doctor once a year allows you to update both your individual medical history and the medical history of your family members. A family doctor will monitor you through your entire life cycle, from adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and seniority. They will build up a comprehensive picture of your health and be a reliable go-to when you face an acute disease or injury.

Referrals

You can see your family physician for more than a routine checkup, too. Anytime you start feeling ill or hurt, call the family doctor office to figure out what to do. They can refer you to trusted specialists, and work with you to coordinate care and additional medical records from your visits.

Chronic Conditions and Medication Management

Family physicians can also help you and your family deal with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more. They can also help you manage and keep track of prescriptions you have to keep you and your family safe from negative reactions between separate medications.

Prevention

As stated above, family doctors will have the most comprehensive record of you and your family's healthcare. The amount of information they have and the frequency of visits allows them to better monitor for potentially life-threatening disorders that can sneak up on anyone. Family doctors can screen for cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and more to make sure your family avoids the worst medical challenges.

Save Money

Primary care physicians like family doctors also help you keep medical costs down. Instead of ignoring your health problems until they get bad enough to send you to an urgent care center or the hospital, you can see a PCP regularly and avoid these expensive trips by dealing with problems straight away. They may be the most cost-effective doctors you'll see.

Family doctors play an integral role in your family's health by providing consistent care and helping you with any and all medical problems. If you are in need of a primary care physician for your family, contact the caring professionals at Regency Medical Center. RMC offers quality care at multiple facilities by a qualified and trustworthy team of experts.