If there’s anything the global pandemic has taught people all over the world, it’s that nothing is for sure! No matter how secure you are in your life right now, you can never tell what may happen—you may feel healthy today, but there’s no telling if you’ll still have a sound mind and body in the future.

Given the uncertainty of life, it’s crucial to protect and prepare yourself in case of medical emergencies! Knowing the way or contact number to the nearest hospital is not enough—you must include having a family physician in your plan.

What Is a Family Physician?

A family physician can serve as your primary care provider—they will handle any medical concerns you have, from treating the common cold to figuring out what’s causing your rash.

Suppose you have any major concerns about your health. In that case, you should make an appointment with a family physician immediately so that they can properly diagnose you and give advice on the necessary treatment. If you prefer to make a phone call, you can reach out to them as well.

Why You Should Have a Family Physician

In case of any medical concerns, family physicians can serve as your one-stop shop to get you back on the road to good health. But aside from these claims, there are many practical uses for a family physician. 

Here are some of the many reasons you should have a family physician:

Easier Access to Medical Services

Hospitals are places where you can get immediate medical assistance when you’re ill or hurt. However, if you don’t know what to do in the case of an emergency, getting the help you need will be harder. You’ll be forced to call the hospital and explain what’s happening. In the process, you’ll waste a lot of time and effort—and that can be enough to make your condition worse!

With a family physician, you can access medical care much faster—your doctor can prescribe the proper medication, which you can then pick up on your way to the hospital. This will speed up your recovery and help you get back to normal sooner.

Personal Connection

When you have a family physician, you’ll be able to get a personal connection with them. You’ll get to know the people who are treating you, and you’ll be able to build trust with them. This can make treatment easier since you won’t be surprised by anything.

A family physician is a general practitioner who has seen their patients before. They’ll be familiar with your medical history, while you could be a stranger to the other doctors you might see. This means you can state your reason for visiting them sooner and more efficiently than you could state it to another doctor. The family physician will also ask specific questions about your condition and how you feel.

Ability to Refer You to Specialists

Sometimes what you need is not a family physician but a specialist—for example, a dermatologist. When you have a family physician, you’ll be able to refer to them specifically when you need a specialist. They will know what you need, allowing them to refer you to the best doctor to treat your condition.

The family physician will also recommend the best specialists to you. They are familiar with the doctors around your area and know who’s the best for what you need.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, having a family physician is best for your health! When you get sick, you can visit them and receive the best treatment for your condition. If you need a specialist, you can refer to your family physician, who will refer you to a specialist that specializes in the kind of treatment you need.

If you’ve been in search of the best primary care physician in Santa Fe, look no more! Our primary care providers at Aspen Medical Center are trained to care for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly and everyone in between. Check-in online today!