Family Doctors are physicians that you use as your medical touchstone. They are also known as generalists, treating physicians or internists. They look at the big picture of your health, instead of specializing entirely in a single specialty; therefore, they are the most appropriate to use to determine your problem and to what specialist you should be referred. For instance, is your problem a heart problem or heartburn? Does your problem have something to do with the gut lining? Are you suffering from stress brought by difficult situations in your family? Every medical problem calls for a different approach. If a specialist is required, each problem may call for a different specialist.
Tips on How to Choose a Treating Physician
When confronted with a medical problem, many individuals panic because they are not sure of whom to trust. Family doctors can assist with a broad range of health problems that might affect any family member, from infants to the aged.
In case of severe medical problems, you can depend on your family doctor for good advice relating to specialists, treatments and tests. The information your treating physician can provide you greatly helps in making more informed health decisions.
Your internist can help you make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent future health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, cirrhosis, renal disease, and even cancer. Preventative care takes up a large part of treating physician’s time. As time passes, you will be able to build trust in your family doctor. You and your household will benefit as your physician gets to understand you and your medical conditions better.
How Treating Physicians can help
Family doctors are able to help in all aspects of your family’s health. They offer care for babies, pregnant women, adults, children and the aged. They provide help with health or illness questions as well as injuries, and offer most of their care in offices close to your home. Some work in clinics.
There are many notable advantages when a doctor cares for every family member. Numerous problems including substance abuse, illness, injury and hardship can have an effect on the whole family. Family doctors are able to effectively manage these problems. In addition, you will want to talk candidly and frankly about any health issue you or your family has and for this to be possible, family doctors should understand your culture, language and family dynamics.
Services Offered by Family Doctors
These include:
• Care for chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes
• Care for all ages (elderly as well as infants)
• Emergency medical aid
• Ear, nose and throat care
• Behavioral and mental health care
• Minor surgical procedures
• Eye care
• Bone and joint care
• Care of the urinary system
• X-rays
• Blood tests
• Standard illness detection tests
• Immunizations
• Family planning, reproductive counseling and well-woman care
Family Doctors in Houston are more accessible and less expensive than specialists, who treat just one health condition, and because they treat you and your family all the time and understand chronic and psychological needs of their patients.