Family medicine doctors have the training and expertise to address a wide range of medical conditions that affect the members of a family—infants, school kids, teens, adults, and the elderly.
However, while a family care doctor is well equipped to handle most of your health concerns without the need for a specialist, you may eventually get to a point where you may still need one for your care. This usually happens when you develop a complex medical condition that requires multifaceted interventions.
Your family care doctor will steer you to the right specialist to help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment strategy. Let’s learn about how a family medicine doctor can help you find the right specialist.
A Family Doctor Knows Your Family’s Health History
If you or your folks have been seeing the same physician for years, the doctor likely has a record of your medical history and that of your family. This makes it easier for your family medicine doctor to make recommendations. For example, if they are aware that your family has a history of cancer, they can recommend specific screenings, which make them better equipped to make an accurate diagnosis and determine whether you would need an oncologist.
A Family Medicine Doctor May Also Know Your Personal Circumstances
Throughout the years of partnership with your family medicine doctor, you may have already built a relationship of trust and communication. Since your family medicine doctor has gotten to know you over time, they may already have an idea of your personal circumstances and preferences and can refer you to a specialist who can best accommodate your and your family’s healthcare needs.
As Your PCP, a Family Doctor Can Give You Referrals Within Your Plan Provider’s Network
Many health insurance companies in the United States do not allow you to simply call up a specialist and make an appointment unless you have a referral from your primary care physician. Being your primary care provider, your family medicine doctor can provide referrals within your plan provider’s network and coordinate your visit with the specialist and relay your information to them.
Getting a referral from your family doctor ultimately translates into being able to save a lot of time because you no longer need to search for a specialist yourself.
Family Medicine Physicians in Eatonton, GA
At Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine, we consistently strive to provide high-quality, patient-and family-centered care to everyone in Eatonton and its surrounding communities. To further enhance your experience, we do offer concierge medicine, which gives you access to comprehensive, personalized healthcare 24/7, 365 days a year.
Call us at (706) 484 9824 to learn more about our concierge medical services or to schedule a consultation with one of our family medicine doctors. You may also use our secure online appointment request form.
