September 30, 2020

5 Reasons You Should Have a Family Doctor

Your first point of health contact

consulting with family doctor in virtual appointment

If you have a medical need — sudden flu symptoms, nagging back pain, an unexpected rash or even think you might have COVID-19 — who is your first point of contact?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A family physician can be the right answer for most healthcare situations.

Medical emergencies are an exception. An emergency is a valid reason to visit the emergency room — but far too many Americans use the ER or urgent care as their primary source of care. It’s one reason among many we spend more as a country on healthcare than anyone else, yet still rank far from the top in health outcomes.

Using more primary care physicians — including family doctors — can help. Here family medicine specialist Michael Rabovsky, MD, explains just a few of the benefits for you and your family.

1. Family doctors follow your life cycle

“I treat toddlers. I care for teens and people in their 20s. I treat middle-aged adults, retirees and people well into their 90s,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “I often see these same patients for years or even decades.”

That’s typical of family practitioners, he notes. Because family doctors treat a wide range of conditions, they can be your primary care physicians at any point in your life.

“In the long term, that means you can build a lasting relationship with a family physician,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “And building such a relationship means they truly get to know you.”

2. They know your personal — and family — history

When doctors treat you for years, they get to know your medical history inside and out. That helps them make accurate diagnoses, watch for red flags regarding medications and monitor changes in your health through the years.

Advertisement

But the “family” in family doctor matters, too. “Seeing multiple generations of a family can help a doctor record an accurate, in-depth family health history,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “For example, if I know you had cancer at a young age, and so did your mother, that’s a red flag. I will recommend genetic counseling and offer a screening plan not only for you but also for other family members at risk.”

Medical history is just part of the picture. Sometimes it helps to know what’s happening at home, too. When treating a child whose parent just lost a job, for instance, that information comes into play when assessing stress and anxiety.

“When doctors treat you for years, they get to know your medical history inside and out,” he says.

3. Family doctors treat more than you think

Yes, family doctors do your yearly check-up. But they also can help you manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. They can treat acute situations such as sinus infections and injuries. They can help you throughout a pregnancy.

They also can perform minor surgical procedures, such as freezing a wart or draining an abscess. These are but a few examples, and the list goes on.

4. When you need a specialist, they help find the right fit

When you need to see a specialist for heart disease, cancer or any other serious concern, a family doctor can help find someone who fits your specific needs — and personality.

Here’s an example: “Say I have a patient who needs to see a cardiologist. I know from years of experience this patient prefers conservative treatments,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “That means I’ll search for a cardiologist who takes a conservative-first approach rather than someone known for aggressive treatment.”

Advertisement

5. They can improve lives — and save money

There’s ample evidence — both here in America and abroad — that using more primary care saves money for a healthcare system.

For example, according to an insurance study, a 23% increase in primary care spending in Rhode Island led to an 18% reduction in total healthcare spending.

And data suggests that adding one primary care physician (such as a family doctor) for every 10,000 people can lower hospital admissions by 5.5%, emergency room visits by 11% and surgeries by 11%.

“Those numbers are even more impressive than cost savings,” Dr. Rabovsky says. “Family doctors can certainly save the country money, but more importantly, they can offer your family better health.”

Related Articles

Female swimmer in the water at edge of a pool
December 1, 2023
Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Physical activity and weight management can minimize your chances of getting the disease

Two people standing in the cold.
November 29, 2023
10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter

The flu, RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia and more typically circulate during cold weather months

Parent breastfeeding baby on bed, against the headboard.
November 27, 2023
Looking for Foods To Increase Your Milk Supply? Think Big Picture

No single food will increase your milk, but an overall healthy diet will help

Parent uses manual baby aspirator to open up nasal passages of baby.
November 22, 2023
Prevent Phlegm in Your Baby’s Throat With a Nasal Aspirator

Keeping your baby’s airways clear of mucus helps with breathing and feeding

Two different vaccines and needles displayed in foreground.
November 22, 2023
Which Vaccines Can You Get at the Same Time?

Getting routine vaccinations together can save you time and may be more effective

Muffins and sweetbreads with frosting on trays at bakery.
November 22, 2023
13 Foods That You Didn’t Know Contain Dairy

Be sure to check the labels of common foods like canned tuna, bread, hot dogs and chocolate

Toddler drinking from a cup while at the table during dinner.
November 21, 2023
Toddler Drinks — What Does the Research Say About These Products?

They aren’t unhealthy, but they’re probably a waste of money

person drinking coffee at computer at night
November 15, 2023
Is It Bad To Drink Coffee Late at Night?

Depending on your sensitivity to caffeine, a late-night cup may be just fine

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad