Good health allows people to have a good quality of life. For this reason, you must give importance on how you and your family become healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally. One way to achieve this is to have a family doctor.
What is a family doctor?
A family doctor not only treats the diseases of the whole family but also takes care of them throughout their lifespan. It means he can provide care for you and your family including your children, regardless of age and gender.
He can manage common diseases in children, such as pneumonia and flu. He may suggest immunizations or other medical interventions to keep the young ones sound and healthy.
What is good with having a family doctor is he has a record of your family’s medical history. Because he knows each of your health profiles, he could oversee your family’s health and provide preventive care for any disease, especially hereditary ones such as some forms of cancer. In case you experience unusual pains or symptoms in your body, your family doctor can easily diagnose it and advise necessary treatment procedures.
When Choosing a Family Doctor
Consider the following attributes a doctor must have when choosing a doctor who is suitable for your family:
- An empathetic doctor
It is best that you choose a doctor that would listen to your concerns and do his best to understand your condition. Some doctors would just spend a few minutes in one patient. This should not be the case for your family doctor. A family doctor must have compassion for you and your family and give the best care possible.
- A qualified doctor
A family doctor is a certified medical practitioner. He must also be updated on the latest treatments and medical technologies that he could apply in treating and caring for you and your family. Also, he must continue to learn and educate himself. He must also have support from other medical organizations and adhere to their policies for the betterment of his practice. It is also good if the family doctor collaborates well with other medical providers.
- A discerning doctor
Evaluate your doctor if he has the right discernment, particularly in ordering tests and procedures. It is so easy for some doctors to order blood tests and other invasive procedures without examining closely the condition of the patient. Unnecessary and incorrect and tests and procedures can harm a patient and also increase health care costs. Your family doctor must be careful with his actions and explain to you thoroughly his interventions.
- A responsible and honest doctor
It is advisable that you choose a reliable and trustworthy doctor that would tell you all that you need to know regarding your family’s health. The doctor you choose must also respect and honor your desires in terms of treatment plans. A good relationship with your doctor is key to receiving quality health care.
Consider the above attributes of a family physician when choosing the best one for you. You may also contact Townsville Medical Centre, which provides complete medical care for all patients and their families. They have qualified medical practitioners and nurses who can attend to your needs right away. They are also equipped with the latest medical technology and information to serve you best.
