Have a Family Doctor for Your Family’s Health

Family Doctor

Having a family means being ready to take care of their health by all means. A healthy family is a happy family, and there is no any easier way to have effective healthcare for your family than having a family doctor. This may be taken for granted, but a family doctor is essential for any family that is seeking a lasting healthcare.

Having a regular family doctor improves health outcomes.

This has been shown in the international research of Dr. Barbara Starfield and the Canadian studies by Marcus Hollander, which demonstrated improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality, decreased hospitalizations and reduced health-care costs.

Your family doctor provides holistic care, treating you (not just disease) in the context of your family, work and other important aspects of your life. You are more than your joints, your gastrointestinal system and your hormones.

Good primary care attends to your body, mind, relationships and spirit.

Your family doctor treats all your health conditions – acute and chronic, including your emotional and relationship concerns.

The family doctor who knows you well may be the best physician to help you make personal health choices, sorting through information you’ve read on the internet, advice from friends and the opinions of other physicians. If you don’t have a family doctor yet, consider these tips when seeing other doctors for episodic care.

Sourced From: http://www.burnabynow.com/community/health/five-reasons-why-you-need-a-family-doctor-1.408917

Getting the perfect family doctor is not as easy as it may be taken. It takes consideration and research to get the kind of doctor you need for your family. More importantly, it is good to be aware of how accessible your doctor is and to know your health needs as well, not to mention knowing the best way to communicate with him or her among other essential issues before engaging any doctor as a family doctor.

Access to care

You may have a great doctor, but that won’t do much good if you can’t get an appointment when you need one. If your own work schedule is fairly rigid, then that could make your access problems even worse. Physicians who work in groups or teams may take turns covering for each other. This approach can make it easier for patients to get timely care. But it also means you may not always see your own doctor – especially when you go to an after-hours clinic.

Your health needs

Some doctors develop practices that focus on certain groups of patients. And you may feel more comfortable with a doctor who already has numerous patients like you. Some physicians see a lot of young families and children – and deliver babies, too. If you’re starting your own family, you may want a doctor whose practice is child-centered.

Communication styles

It’s critically important to be able to talk freely with your doctor about your health concerns. Most people find a new family doctor when they are in good health.

Sourced From: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health-advisor/know-your-needs-and-do-your-research-before-picking-a-new-doctor/article26527595/

Working closely with your family doctor is the best way to get the best of the service you and your family need. Communicate effectively with him or her, ask questions, get facts clear, and above all, follow the instructions the doctor gives you in detail.

Talk to your doctor

Be sure to tell your doctor about any current and past health care issues or concerns. It’s important to share any information you can, even if you’re embarrassed.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s important for you to let your doctor know if you don’t understand something. If you don’t ask questions, your doctor will think you understand everything he or she has told you.

Take information home with you.

Taking written or recorded information home with you can help you remember information and instructions any time you need to. Your doctor is a good source of accurate information you can trust.

Follow up with your doctor

Make sure to follow any instructions your doctor gave you during the appointment, like taking medicine, scheduling a test or scheduling an appointment with a specialist. If you’re confused or if you’ve forgotten some information, it’s ok to contact your doctor.

Sourced From: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/healthcare-management/working-with-your-doctor/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.html