Look Closer At Family Practice Clinics

Family practice clinics are very common. This is usually where you will go to the doctor when there is something wrong, and when you just need to have a routine checkup. These physicians will know exactly what needs to be done when you are sick and if they are unable to give you the proper treatment for it they will be able to refer you out to a specialist if needed. Generally when you choose a family practice clinic they will be able to see you, your spouse, and your children. This means that you only need one doctor for the entire family. Some people like this, and others may like having their children see a pediatrician. Either way, family practice clinics are a great choice for families- with or without children.

Establishing a Relationship with your Doctor

One of the best things about choosing a family practice physician is that they will be able to form a relationship with you. They will learn all about your medical history and be able to choose the best course of treatment when you are sick. The fact that they know about your health and your concerns can really help them to create a treatment plan for your illnesses that they know will work for you. When you visit walk in clinics, you do not have this relationship established. This is why it is usually best to get in with your family practice physician whenever possible.

Having an established relationship will also reduce the need to visit your physician in some cases. This is because if you are having certain symptoms you may just be able to call in and talk to the nurse and have the doctor call in a prescription for you without you having to take the time out to come in and visit. This can be very convenient, especially for those that lead busy lives with hectic schedules.

The Downfalls of Family Practice Clinics

As with any clinic, there are a few downfalls that come along with visiting a family practice clinic. First of all, the hours are usually pretty strict. Most are only open during normal business hours, and if you are sick after those hours you will need to visit an after hours clinic or call in to the number that will allow you leave a message for your doctor. Another downfall is that they can usually not treat specific issues. Sometimes they will have to refer you out to a specialist, but the good news is that they will be able to refer you to the ones that they have great relationships with. If you trust your physician, you will be able to trust their judgment when it comes to them choosing a specialty clinic for you to visit for a particular illness or condition.

As you can see, family practice clinics definitely have their advantages. Try to find a family practice physician for your family and start seeing them regularly for checkups and illnesses as needed.

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