According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), primary care service is the patient’s starting point into health care and serves as the guiding rule for all required health care services. Primary care practices give patients access to their personal physician, or a verified substitute doctor when the primary physician is inaccessible.
Simply put, primary care is the most basic level of health care and the entry path for you and your family on your way to health care. Primary care can provide the following advantages:
- Health benefits
- Prevention of acute and chronic diseases
- Detection of health risks and illnesses
- Treatments of acute and chronic diseases
- Self-management help
- Palliative, rehabilitative, and supportive care for terminal or degenerative diseases and disabilities
The essence of primary care
Primary care physicians are experts in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many types of conditions. With preventative guides, promotion of continuous self-care, and management of chronic diseases, physicians guarantee that patients have access to the proper care from the appropriate specialist, when and where they require it.
Primary care specialists monitor and can quickly detect signs of mental issues, chronic disease, cancer, and other health concerns. Going for appointments ensure patients receive treatment for their illnesses and when necessary, receive referrals to other specialists.
When you visit the physician for your yearly checkup, he or she can detect and treat issues early and even avert or heal threatening disorders. According to the American College of Physicians, families with primary care providers have a 19 percent reduced risk of premature death in contrast to people who only visit specialists for treatment. Also, patients can save up to 33 percent on healthcare compared to people who only visit specialists, which means primary care decreases healthcare costs as well.
The provision of primary care helps to reduce cases of medical emergencies, where the expenses rise by over three to four times higher than other outpatient care.
What conditions can primary care services treat?
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infection
- General aches and pains
- Coughs
- Colds
- Fevers
- Sore throats
- Skin rashes
Additionally, primary care services usually have an on-site laboratory and digital imaging devices to accurately diagnose and assess any medical concern and restore patients to good health.
Aside from treating your medical issues, your primary care doctor is an excellent resource for getting advice on preventive healthcare. They will help you understand the importance of achieving and maintaining optimal health through healthy routines. You will also get a thorough physical exam that can give you a proper evaluation of your general health, an assessment of your family records, and provide you vital information that can affect your health currently and in the future.
Bottom line
Knowing how important meetings with your primary care provider can be, you should choose a practice that is effective in handling their patient’s requirements and provides flexible scheduling. Sometimes, you or your children may be wary of going to the doctor, but a good practice will alleviate your concerns and help you feel comfortable. You can visit, knowing you will get customized medical aid from your primary care practice.
Request an appointment here: https://hillendale.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care at (703) 372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
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