Visiting a family doctor or internal medicine doctor annually is the first step you can take to maintain good health and prevent illness. Your family doctor or internal medicine doctor will get to know your medical history and lifestyle, and can help you find the best way to live a healthy life. Your family doctor will be able to identify any risk factors you may have for disease and recommend appropriate lifestyle modifications for healthier outcomes.
Trained in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, a primary care physician, can manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and back pain. A family doctor or internal medicine doctor can answer many questions you may have about such things as medications, diet, and exercise. A primary care physician also can help diagnose symptoms you may be suffering due to chronic medical conditions, including diabetes symptoms and hypertension symptoms.
A family doctor or internal medicine doctor also can refer you to appropriate specialists when needed, such as a cardiologist (heart), hematologist/oncologist (blood/tumors) or nephrologist (kidneys). In addition, a primary care physician will help you navigate through the healthcare system. For example, if you should require a hospital stay or have questions concerning insurance, your primary care physician can help steer you in the right direction and get the answers you need. A primary care physician serves as your primary or first stop for all your medical needs, and is your strongest advocate in your healthcare journey. Choosing a family doctor or internal medicine doctor can be a difficult decision. Whomever you choose for your and your family’s primary care should be a physician you feel the most comfortable sharing your personal and family’s healthcare history and decision making choices.
