Should I have a "family doctor"

Question

I'm one of those people who very rarely gets sick, and when I do get sick I tend to just go to whatever doctor accepts my insurance and is available.

Other than my OBGYN, I don't have a regular general pracitice doctor.

My daughter has a regular pediatrician, which is good, but what about my husband and I?

Is it really that important that I have a "Family Doctor" and if so, how do I go about choosing one?

Answer 1

One big distinction for family doctors is that they don't just treat diseases or organs, we treat people," says Michael Fleming, MD, former president of the American Academy of Family Physicians who's been a practicing family physician for 25 years, seeing both rural and urban patients in Shreveport, Louisiana. "A family physician who doesn't like people is in the wrong profession."

They also need to be prepared to tackle complex problems. "When I walk in the door, most of the patients I see don't have just one problem, they have several problems," Fleming says. "I rarely see a patient with just a sore throat. What I see is a hypertensive diabetic with heart failure who has a sore throat. So one of the things we excel at -- why people are drawn to this specialty -- is being able to handle that complexity."

As a family doctor, he would have your complete medical history.  

Go the below site for more info about family doctors:

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/familydo...

Answer 2

You kind of answered your own question; My daughter has a regular pediatrician, which is good, but what about my husband and I? You do this because you love your daughter and want what is best for her.  Her pediatrician knows her and continues to take care of her.  You love your husband, doe he not deserve the same and for you, they all love you and you deserve that same level of care.  So as many here are telling you the different reasons.  The very reason you should is the same reason you do it for your daughter.  I don't need to go into detail, I know that you do it for your daughter out of love, knowing it is best.  So does her Mom and Dad!!

Answer 3

I so agree with kathy.  We've always had a family doctor and  I was also one to rarely get sick until the last two years, and now I appreciate the relationship with my doctor, who knew me before certain health issues i'm dealing with started.

Plus, when your daughter outgrows her pediatrician, it'll be great to have someone known she can see.  Believe me, time passes quickly and they do outgrow their pediatricians!

As far as how to choose a good one, I try to find either general practicioners or internists who were educated at well-respected med schools and who are on staff at the most competent, leading-edge, research hospitals in my area.  Then it's a matter of meeting with them, you may call their office and tell the staff you're looking for a family doctor and would like a consult.  It's important to be able to talk frankly and feel like you're being heard and not rushed.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

I definitely encourage you to get a regular family doctor. He/She gets to know you, which is always helpful in treating potential (as well as current) problems. Doctors aren't JUST for sick care. They also are to help prevent you from getting sick. A family doctor who knows your situation will be able to evaluate your risk factors and recommend preventive screenings that will catch problems in the early, treatable stage.  

Answer 5

Having a regular doctor allows them to get to know you.  You get better care when the doctor knows more about your medical history.  Ask family or friends which doctors they like.