CHOOSING A FAMILY PHYSICIAN
What is a family physician?
A family physician is a doctor who takes care of the whole family. A family physician creates caring relationships with patients and assists them in making the right health care decisions.
What do family physicians do?
Family physicians take care of the physical, mental and emotional health of both their patients and their patients’ families. They know your family’s health history and how it can affect you. They are trained to care for you through all the stages of your life. They know when to treat you, and, if necessary, when to bring refer you to a specialist you can trust.
I don’t have any health problems. Why do I need a family physician?
Family physicians are specially trained in preventive medicine. They believe that preventing a health problem is better than having to overcome one.
Some things that you should ask include:
• Do they accept your insurance?
• What are the office hours?
• How many physicians are in the practice?
During the appointment, make sure:
• You’re comfortable talking to the physician.
• The physician answers all your questions and explains things so that you can understand.
• You had enough time to ask all your questions.
edited and revised from www.familydoctor.org/836.xml