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Types of primary care physicians

Doctors can deliver primary care services in various specializations, each with specialized training in treating a particular population. All competent primary care physicians include internists, family practitioners, pediatricians, geriatricians, and women's health specialists.

-Family practice physicians

Family practice doctors have received specialized training in providing treatment for individuals and families at all stages of life. As a result, they can provide care for young children, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Family medicine extensively focuses on treating the entire person while emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. However, they manage acute and chronic ailments for their patients, much like internists.

-Pediatricians

While some people prefer to have a single doctor care for their entire family, others feel more at ease having a pediatrician serve as their children's primary care provider. Pediatricians are board-certified in treating newborns through adults, including children and adolescents up to 21. During childhood, people grow and develop quickly. Significant developmental milestones mark every stage of life, and it is crucial to monitor that they are being attained and encourage activities and behaviors that support children's learning and growth.

-Internist

An internist is a doctor of internal medicine. Medical professionals concentrate on the body's natural organs and systems, but their expertise does not stop there. They may also provide preventive services and treat everything from ear infectious diseases to skin problems. They don't perform surgery and solely treat grownups.

You can select a family doctor or an internist as your primary care physician (PCP). Both have a wide range of therapeutic applications. Internists are incredibly knowledgeable about adult health problems. Family doctors must have a more extensive knowledge base because they serve adults and children.

Why should you have a family doctor?

Regularly visiting a family physician/doctor can not only be beneficial to the entire family, but also has many other advantages. Reasons why you should have a family doctor: 

- Cost

The fundamental justification for starting with your family doctor is cost. Visiting your primary care physician is significantly less expensive than going to an urgent care facility or an emergency hospital. Family doctor visits are typically covered by insurance, so your visit to the doctor can be free, depending on your policy. The health of your family is essential. A family doctor can ensure the health of your entire family. If you have a doctor, you'll be more inclined to bring your family in for check-ups and exams. 

-Care continuity

Because you receive ongoing treatment from your family doctor, they are already familiar with your medical history, current medications, and healthcare priorities. Unlike an emergency department or immediate care facility, your primary healthcare practitioner understands how your new illness or disability affects your overall health. This familiarity enables your family doctor to recommend a new course of therapy that complements your other healthcare objectives.

-Management of recurring diseases

Diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, high blood cholesterol, joint problems, skin problems, conditions such as asthma , as well as kidney disease, and hypertension, can all be managed and treated by family medicine doctors (COPD). They can also, frequently in coordination with experts, provide refills for drugs used to treat chronic diseases.

-Knows you well

Doctors who treat you for a long time get intimately familiar with your medical background. This aids them in making precise diagnoses, keeping an eye out for drug side effects, and tracking changes in your health over time.

-Bond is created

With a family physician, you develop comfort and trust. Some people steer clear of doctors because they are anxious or uneasy around them. With a family doctor, you and the doctor get to know one another. As you become more accustomed to one another, visits become more relaxing.

When should you visit your family doctor?

The number of times you visit your family doctor depends on how well you feel. Most doctors advise visiting for a check-up once or twice a year, but if you suffer from a chronic illness like diabetes or high blood pressure, you may require more frequent examinations. Other medical issues that your family doctor may be able to address include the following:

-asthma and allergy

-flu, strep throat, and bronchitis

-Tonsillitis

-Whiplash

-minor wounds (such as burns, animal bites, sprains, and strains)

-diarrhea and gagging

-backache

-gastrointestinal issues, etc.

Finding a family physician in Pennsylvania

Having a family physician treat you for a long time enables them to fully understand your health and medical history. This allows your doctor to make more accurate treatments and maintain a close watch out for any changes or red flags during your routine health tests and exams. It may be difficult to locate a family physician, but don't worry. We've got your back.

Create a free account on our website, Zocdoc.com. Users can search for physicians' educational qualifications, insight, and location on our website. You can also click on a family doctor and learn more about their qualifications, licenses, accreditations, clinical interests and ratings.  

Verified patient reviews and comments can provide you with an idea of what to consider from a potential family doctor. You can book an appointment with the therapists you've chosen. Many of the doctors in our database also offer online and after-hours counseling sessions. Choose a time that works best for you and your doctor, and it's all ready! Making a doctor's visit with Zocdoc is simple, risk-free, and secure!

Vital stats about the disorder that the family physician deals with in Exton, Pennsylvania

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, Pennsylvania has the second highest employment level in family physicians with 8,420 active physicians. This implies that family medicine accounts for 1.51 per 1000 jobs in the state. 

In 2018, it was reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians that 42% of Pennsylvania's primary care workforce consisted of family physicians. Out of this 44% were female, while around 46% were over the age of 55. The same report also states that 9% of family medicine physicians work in rural counties, which account for 11% of the state's population. 

As reported by the same organization, there are 43 family medicine residency training programs in Pennsylvania. Approximately 200 family medicine residents graduate from these programs every year. Between 2011 and 2017, only 38% of these graduates practiced in-state. 

Sources

Family Care Network 

Cleveland Clinic 

WebMD 

Wellington Advanced Med [1] 

Wellington Advance Med [2] 

Kaiser Family Foundation

American Academy of Family Physicians [1] 

American Academy of Family Physicians [2] 

American Academy of Family Physicians [3]

Medical University of the Americas

familydoctor.org

American Academy of Family Physicians

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.