Things to Know about Family Medicine
When it comes to our healthcare, forging a close, communicative relationship with our physician is an important part of healthcare. For the most part, we all must have a regular physician we meet with for general checkups and the overall wellness. This physician isn’t solely there for our care alone, they will often be available to treat and monitor the health of our entire family. This is known as a family physician, in the practice of family medicine – one of the most common practices in the healthcare world. As one of Queens top family medicine practices, Cross Country Medical Care is responsible for the health and wellness care of entire families around the borough – from young children, to their parents, and even grandparents. To better help you understand what family medicine truly entails here are a few important things to know.
· Patients of All Ages & Genders
The main thing to know about a family medicine practice, like Cross Country Medical Care, is that they treat the whole family. This means patients of all ages and genders. While many physicians might focus purely on men or women, adult or children, your family physician is likely someone who is well trained in both primary care and pediatric care – for infants, children, teens, adults, and the elderly. This is important as they are well-trained in treating and preventing illnesses and conditions that affect those of all ages – from pediatric asthma to diabetes in the elderly.
· Preventative Medicine is a Big Part
While treating illnesses is an important skill for any doctor, preventing them from ever occurring is just as vital. Family medicine physicians are specially trained in identifying the early, onset symptoms of conditions or illnesses before they even start. This is why check-ups are important, as they allow your physician to get an early understanding of your health and be able to catch issues, big or small, before they even begin to take a hold and are able to damage your health. They do this using a number of diagnostic methods including:
o Check-ups, blood tests, immunizations, and vaccinations.
o Blood Pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, cardiology testing and more.
o Cancer screenings
o Patient education for healthy lifestyle and wellness.
· Specialized Care as Well
One great part about family medicine is that it encompasses many different aspects of the overall healthcare matrix. Including a number of different specialties of medicine like gynecology, urology, cardiology and more. This is very important as both men and women need to have regular exams to help prevent and treat certain conditions that might be specific to them. For instance, in the care of women, providing regular HPV screenings, pap smears, and routine pelvic exams can help a great deal. Also providing patients with sexual health tips and care, such as contraceptive counseling and birth control pills may help prevent sexual diseases and untimely pregnancies.
· Mental Health
One thing very few people know about family medicine is that it offers a lot of management for mental health and behavioral issues. Family medicine doctors can help you if you are having issues with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, stress and much more. While they generally do not provide therapy themselves, this is a scenario in which they will provide you with a referral to a therapist.
For more information on family medicine practices, or to schedule a family medicine appointment contact Cross County Medical Care.
