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Family Doctors - Tips for Finding a New Doctor By John Vreugde

Family doctors still exist. There are many still offering similar services to their predecessors although home visits are no longer possible except in emergency cases. Although more people are seeking care from doctors specializing in different areas of medicine, family doctors are still an integral part of the health care system. In fact, many insurance companies require that you be registered with a family doctor to be referred out to a specialist. However, these family physicians are also limited in the treatment of various injuries.
A family doctor is one who ensures your overall health. Unlike doctors who specialize in the treatment of a certain organ, disease or system, family doctors receive specialized training that enables them to treat your whole body. They take care of patients of different ages and suffering from various conditions. Their form of treatment involves physical as well as psychological treatment. These doctors forge relationships with their clients and assist them in making the right decisions for their health care.
Training to become a family doctor requires practical training for 3 years in a real practice, treating patients. This may be in a hospital, health care center, medical clinic, or a home. Although these doctors are not specialized in any particular area of medicine, they must keep up with the latest developments in general medical practice. For this reason, family doctors must undergo re-certification more often than any other type of doctor. This ensures that they continue to re-educate themselves and are up to date at all times.
Although you may not have any health problems, it is important that you register with a family doctor. This is not only to meet the requirements of your insurance provider but also as a precaution. Family doctors are trained in both primary and preventative care. They are therefore well placed to advise you on prevention of health problems which is a much better option compared to overcoming health problems. This type of care will also help you save money in the long run as you will remain healthy and tackle health problems before they become serious.
Finding a doctor can be a challenging task. The best place to begin your search is with your friends and family. They may be able to refer you to doctors that are currently accepting new patients. Before you register with a family doctor, there is basic information you need to find out from them. This includes their working hours, the number of doctors in the practice, the system of payment expected, the referral of specialists, and if the practice can treat for your specific ailment or injury.
All patients should recognize that not all family practice physicians can treat for every type of injury. The vast majority don't treat injuries that occur at work, in a car accident, or personal injury such as a slip and fall. For workman's comp, most states require that the physician be certified on the Approved Doctors List to treat for on the job accidents. Subsequently, with the tedious pre-authorizations and extra paperwork required for worker's comp medical reimbursement, the medical clinics don't have the adequate staff for the extra workload. In reference to auto accidents and personal injury situations, the majority of family practice physicians refuse to provide medical care until an attorney is retained by the patient to guarantee payment to the treating doctor for medical care. Even then most physicians never recoup anywhere close to their out of pocket cost of treatment.
A good doctor should be able to answer all your questions with ease. He or she should be able to make you comfortable and explain specific recovery methods in a way that you will understand. Good family doctors take the time to answer questions asked by their patients and are patient enough to explain the answers.
See for yourself by contacting a doctor here: Family Practice Phone Numbers.
Find more about different types of doctors at http://painandinjurydoctors.com including recovery methods for all injures and pain.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6277413

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1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Irmo Primary Care
is a new twist on a traditional family practice in Irmo, SC. We are a direct primary care practice, so you are provided 24/7 access to our physician.
DR. T. JOHN BURRELL
Wellness Blvd. #109
Irmo, SC 29063
803 764-6484
info@irmopc.com

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