There is no guarantee you can stay healthy throughout your life. Some illnesses can still appear out of the blue even if no noticeable signs exist. If this happens, calling or visiting your family doctor is always better than queuing in the hospital waiting room. Family doctors are trained medical specialists that can keep you and your family healthy by managing and treating various health issues. If you would like to benefit from services offered by a family doctor, talk to Kyle Scarborough MD to help you increase your chances of leading a healthy life. Learn more about family doctors and how they can help you prolong your life.
What Is a Family Doctor?
A family doctor is a primary care provider who evaluates symptoms, provides preventative and comprehensive care, and treats various chronic illnesses in people of all ages. They ensure that your health and that of your loved ones are taken care of and let you know when you need to see a specialist.
Family doctors work in various places, including hospitals, private offices, medical clinics, or with a group of other family doctors. They also provide care to people of different social-economic statuses, including underserved populations where there are limited medical resources.
What Services Does a Family Doctor Offer?
Family doctors can offer a wide range of services to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Their primary focus lies on building a caring and professional relationship with you and your family, documenting your health history, understanding your needs, and improving your health. Below are various services offered by a family practice doctor.
- Diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes
- Health routine check-ups and health risks assessments
- Screenings and immunizations
- Counseling on healthy lifestyle changes
Additionally, they can provide other health services in emergency and urgent care, sports medicine, and public health.
What Are the Standard Medical Requirements for Family Doctors?
Family doctors must have extensive training and experience to provide the best medical services. As a result, they have the highest standards in the healthcare sector. According to the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), family doctors should renew their certifications every 7 to 10 years.
They also need to attend and complete 150 hours of medical education classes every three years. Also, family doctors should get the certifications and licenses from the state they work in through the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).
With the help of national medical associations such as the Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), family doctors can now access high-quality patient education materials and practice opportunities.
What Can You Expect During Your First Family Doctor Visit?
Depending on your personal or medical reasons, you can expect different outcomes at your first appointment at a family doctor’s office. Your doctor might begin by asking about your lifestyle habits, mental wellness, and medications. Afterward, they might perform a general physical examination on your skin, head, neck, and abdomen as per your medical history.
Afterward, they will check your vital signs, such as blood pressure, body temperature, breathing rate, and heartbeat. Your doctor might also request routine blood tests to screen for chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Other screenings might take place include women’s or men’s health or infant and child screenings.
If you are looking for ways to improve your health, talk to a family practice doctor at Family Life Medical. You will receive various routine wellness examinations and tips on healthy lifestyle habits that can prolong your life. Call today through their office number or schedule an appointment to get the care you need for you and your family.