A family physician can offer expert comprehensive medical care to people of all ages and genders, making them a great choice for the needs of your whole family. They can evaluate, treat, and help to prevent a variety of common injuries, illnesses, and conditions and can look after you throughout all stages of your life.
Unlike other medical specialists who focus on a specific medical condition or part of the body, a family physician has the expertise and knowledge to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages, from infancy to late adulthood. This means your primary care physician is your go-to doctor at any point in your life. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of different health conditions, from minor injuries and illnesses to help you manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes. A family physician performs a number of essential roles in order to provide complete care for you and your family.
Overseeing Preventive Care
Your family physician is able to educate you about disease prevention and health maintenance in order to keep you as healthy as possible and improve your overall well-being. This includes focusing on both physical and emotional health, which may include stress relief, anger management, fertility counseling, weight management, nutritional counseling, and suggesting suitable exercises for your particular fitness level.
Treatment for Common Health Issues
If your child has the flu or an ear infection, or your allergies are playing up, your family physician is your go-to medical resource for the necessary treatment. They can provide diagnosis and suitable treatment for a variety of common illnesses and conditions ranging from joint or back pain, allergies, colds and flu, to sports, work, and automobile injuries and minor medical emergencies, such as cuts, burns, and skin infections.
Diagnosing Emerging Conditions
Seeing a family physician long term allows them to get to know you and your medical history inside and out and learn what is ‘normal’ for you. This can help them recognize potential red flags for any emerging conditions that may require prompt attention, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer – particularly if there is a family history of the condition. Your family physician can analyze any new or unfamiliar symptoms by ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests, monitoring your treatment and rehabilitation, and re-evaluating your therapy, as necessary.
Management of Chronic Illnesses
A family physician can help you manage chronic and degenerative conditions such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. They can provide personalized, ongoing care during what can be a very challenging time for you and your family. They are also able to use diagnostic tests to assess progress to determine the most effective follow-up steps in your personal treatment plan. The goal of a family physician is to provide the best care possible for their patients by preventing complications and keeping them as active and as healthy as possible.
If there is a need for specialist medical treatment, your family physician can refer you to an appropriate specialist. As your primary care physician, they can coordinate your care with specialists, physical rehabilitation or occupational therapists, pharmacists, and any other necessary health care providers. Collaborating with other physicians ensures that all your medical needs are addressed properly.
Family Medicine Center in Fort Worth, TX
If you are looking for a dedicated family physician, speak to the family medicine specialists at Texas Medical Institute for the compassionate and comprehensive medical care you and your family deserve.
To find out more about our services, or to schedule an appointment with a family physician, call us today at (817) 615-8633 or use our convenient request an appointment form.