A General Practitioner (GP) or family doctor is your first point of contact within the medical field when it comes to illnesses. They are your first point of contact for everything from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions, thanks to their broad medical knowledge. GPs can diagnose and treat various non-emergency health concerns before referring you to a specialist.
Let’s look at 10 reasons why you should visit your family doctor:
1. Family doctors, also known as GPs, follow and know very well your -and your family’s- history
Family doctors are long-term healthcare partners who follow your health throughout the years, from the day you are born until old age. By knowing your family history, they can proactively identify any potential health concerns, making them the most suitable doctors to provide accurate advice and help when needed.
2. First point of contact when you or your family is unwell
In reference to the previous point, family doctors should be your first point of contact when someone in your family is unwell because they are able to either provide you with first assistance or, in case of an emergency, advise you to reach urgent care. Research shows that patients who regularly visit a family doctor tend to require fewer hospitalisations compared to those who do not reach out when feeling unwell.
3. Refer you to a specialist if needed
If there are more specific concerns that the family doctor would like you to follow through, they can refer you to a specialist. Together with the specialist, the family doctor can track your treatments, share your medical history and ensure all aspects of your health are taken into consideration.
4. Understand if something is wrong early on with preventative care
Prevention is key, always. Preventative screening and tests can be prescribed by your doctor in order to detect potential health issues early on. This kind of approach to health can prevent serious illnesses and improve long-term outcomes as it includes services such as blood pressure measurements, cholesterol checks, mammograms, colonoscopies, and more. Identifying any potential risk factors in advance, can help you make better lifestyle choices or start treatments that can ward off potential diseases.
5. Monitor your mental health
Family doctors are equipped to provide initial mental health support by identifying any potential issues early on and referring patients to specialists when necessary. They can help manage conditions such as anxiety and depression, ensuring your mental health is not neglected. Mental health is just as important as physical health and it should never be underestimated.
6. Vaccinations and immunisations
Keeping on track with all the vaccinations and immunisations is an important part of preventive care that is provided by family doctors for you and your family. This is very important for children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems to prevent the worsening of symptoms or catching unwanted illnesses such as the flu.
7. Managing chronic conditions
Family doctors know much more than you think! They can help you manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, allergies and arthritis to name a few. They are also responsible for your yearly check ups including blood tests, heart rate and blood pressure.
8. Health education and advice
Family doctors educate their patients about healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and management of existing conditions. They can also assist patients in understanding the importance of taking their medications as prescribed, controlling their stress, and getting enough sleep.
9. Higher lever of comfort
Talking to people we do not know can be intimidating and can sometimes lead you to omit important information. Since a family doctor is someone that can get to know you from an early age and follow you through life, it can help create a more comfortable environment based on trust and open communication making it easier to discuss sensitive issues and seek advice.
10. Lower cost in the long run
Keeping your health under close monitoring with your primary care doctor can avoid costly treatments and hospitalisations. Regular visits are a cost-effective way to manage your health because addressing health problems early, can prevent them from escalating and requiring more expensive treatments.
If you would like to take control of your health, book an appointment and contact us at +971 50 494 6377 to arrange an appointment with our GP, Dr Ruhil Badiani.
Dr Ruhil Badiani is a British doctor, who studied, graduated and practised in London for 10 years, before moving out to Dubai. Dr Ruhil Badiani has experience in treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. She values the patient doctor relationship and recognises the importance of psychological and social factors, as well as the physical factors, which contribute to a patient’s presentation. She recognises the importance of lifestyle changes to improve health and prevent disease, and is confident in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic disease.
