Having a reliable family doctor you can depend on in times of illness and crisis can be a great asset. You may find yourself visiting them for years as you and your circumstances change. However, many of us will be guilty of doing the same thing: if we do go and see our local physician, it’s only when we’re not feeling well. That’s what they’re there for, right?
Although you will seek out a medical expert when you’re not at your best, there are other times you should consider seeing your doctor. They will have many different tasks that they can carry out besides just diagnosing minor ailments and recommending particular treatments.
Here are some of the duties your physician can do for you:
They’ll Give You Advice
Patients are known to call their doctor’s office to get guidance on how to treat basic health issues. This may lead to your doctor advising you on home remedies or a wait-and-see what develops approach.
Advice can also be given when you’re in the physician’s office. Your doctor can answer your questions and give you basic health and maintenance guidance, which may include hygiene, diet, or fitness.
They Can Test and Diagnose Ailments
Your doctor’s first duty in caring for you as a patient is to assess, test and diagnose for conditions. Having preventative appointments and testing can help protect against illnesses and diseases from developing, such as a comprehensive physical exam and blood screening.
If a patient presents themselves with a host of symptoms, a physician will evaluate them, do tests, and determine if a medical condition exists.
Give Treatment
Your doctor’s duty will move to treatment and care if a medical condition is diagnosed. This could be to schedule an appointment to check on symptoms, or to monitor your progress. Your physician may also prescribe medication or therapy, or, in some circumstances, refer you to a specialist.
You’ll Get Help Finding a Specialist
Your physician will refer you to someone who can help you with medical concerns that need special attention, which may be beyond their general scope of care. So your specialist may be an ear, nose and throat doctor, or a neurologist, for example.
They Will Keep Track of Your Records
Your family doctor will have all of your medical records. This will include copies of test results (such as blood work), or what happens when you need to go and see a specialist.
Your Care will Be Personalized
You can start to build up a rapport with your doctor if you see them regularly. They will also be able to start seeing any patterns in your health, as well as the types of illnesses you may be prone to developing.
You’ll Save Money
Yes, seeing your doctor on a regular basis can be cost-effective for you. This is because you may not need to make that costly visit to the hospital, or have to go to an urgent care center.
