5 Reasons You Should Have a Family Doctor

You or a member of your family has medical needs-back pain that won’t go away, an unexplained rash, or persistent headaches. Who is the first person that comes to mind? With most healthcare concerns, you should reach out to your family doctor before anyone else. Unless an emergency requires you to go to the emergency room, you should be able to contact your Yonkers family doctor and book an appointment. Here are a few reasons you need reliable board-certified family medicine in Yonkers. 

• Consistency

A good family doctor remains with you through all the cycles of life. They treat toddlers, teens, adults, and senior adults. You can remain with your doctor for decades. Your childhood doctor could end up treating your children. This level of consistency gives you confidence. You never have to worry about the quality of care you’ll be receiving. 

Most family practitioners treat a variety of conditions. You may never need to change them. In the long term, you can create a strong and lasting relationship with your family doctor. 

• They Know Your Family and Personal History

Since your family doctor will be treating you for years, they know your personal and family history well. The information helps them make accurate diagnoses, monitor changes, and identify red flags. 

If a doctor has seen multiple generations of your family, they are likely to make more accurate recommendations than one who doesn’t know much about you. If, for example, they know that your mother had cancer, they can help you look out for red flags before it is too late. Medical history is an essential part of the big picture. 

• They Can Recommend Specialists

If you need specialist care for cancer, heart disease, or other major health concerns, your family doctor may offer recommendations. Since they know you, they may help you identify the best specialists for your needs and personality. If, for example, they know that you are a conservative person, they may refer you to specialists with conventional treatment approaches. 

• They Treat More Than You May Imagine

Family doctors treat a variety of conditions and diseases. Their role is not limited to annual check-ups. They can help you with almost anything from the flu to heart disease or arthritis. Your family doctor can walk you through pregnancy. They can treat common injuries and other acute situations. They may perform basic surgical procedures. 

• Saving Money and Improving Lives

There is enough evidence to suggest that primary care can save money for the healthcare system. Increasing primary care by 23 percent can reduce healthcare spending by about 18 percent. Adding one primary care doctor, like a family doctor, can reduce hospital admissions by about 5.5 percent. 

The role of a good family doctor in Yonkers cannot be overstated. Having one protects your entire family. Since they remain with you for many years, they know your family history and are likely to make appropriate diagnoses. They are consistent, and forming solid relationships with them is easy.