The medical sector is growing and expanding at a fast pace. Medical research is getting an influx of capital in recent times as people try to lengthen their lives as much as possible. This can be achieved by getting treatment solutions to as many illnesses as possible. Treatment has also become as personalized as possible with the emergence of family practice physicians. Kalpana Desai MD is a qualified family practice doctor with vast experience and expertise in general medical conditions. More about what a family doctor does is explained in detail below.
Who is a Family Practice Physician?
These are doctors that give general care to people of all ages. They evaluate symptoms, treat chronic conditions, offer preventative care, and advise when to visit a specialist.
They typically work in private settings or with other family physicians but can be found in hospital settings and community medical clinics. However, most family doctors tend to serve areas with high levels of poverty, illiteracy and limited resources.
Family physicians that work in community health offer services like:
- Health risk assessments
- Routine checkups even for children and infants
- Screening tests
- Immunizations
- Treatment of typical chronic diseases
- Counseling on healthy lifestyle choices
These doctors may also specialize in emergency and urgent care, sports medicine, and public health.
Licensed family physicians have requirements they need to attain after getting an undergraduate degree that includes:
- At least four years in medical school
- Take board exams from relevant bodies
- Three to four years of residency in various fields
- Certification by the national medical boards
- License from the state they plan to operate
Several reasons that may make you visit a family doctor include:
Care for Injury or Illness
This doctor can treat common injuries or illnesses that do not require the intervention of a specialist. These conditions may include flu, colds, sprains, fractures, bronchitis, pneumonia, seasonal allergies, stomach viruses, and ear infections.
Chronic Disease Management
Several chronic illnesses and conditions may be treated or monitored, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, high cholesterol, skin problems, and breathing conditions like asthma. They can also prescribe medication refills for chronic issues with consultations with relevant specialists.
Routine Exams
Family practice doctors can do routine exams like newborn and well-child checkups, annual physicals, sports physicals, female pelvic exams like pap smears, and men’s health screenings like prostate exams.
Referrals to medical specialists
Family doctors may come across a condition like heart disease that may need to be looked at by a specialist. They suggest suitably qualified specialists for you. The doctor can work together with the recommended specialist when you begin treatment for the condition.
The various services are done when you first see a family practice doctor include:
- Requesting routine blood tests
- Checking vital signs
- Physical exam involving the neck, head, and abdomen areas
- Growth evaluations for children
Family practice doctors have enabled people to get regular medical checkups and growth assessments from children to becoming adults. This will allow the prevention or identification of certain illnesses early. For any family doctor inquiries, visit us online, or call our offices in Lady Lake, FL.