Family medicine is a medical field that everyone has relied on at least once. Whenever we experience any symptoms, our first step is usually to visit our family doctor, who then gives us recommendations — which specialist might help, what tests we may need, and how to plan the recovery process.
From seasonal flu to preventive screenings, the family doctor is the one who provides referrals, treatment advice, or guidance to the appropriate specialist based on our complaints.
What Services Does a Family Doctor Provide?
A family physician can provide care across a wide range of needs. Typically, patients visit family doctors for the following services:
Preventive Checkups – Family doctors monitor overall health and help prevent diseases through regular screenings.
Diagnosis and Treatment – In many cases, family doctors are the first to identify infectious, chronic, or other medical conditions and prescribe the appropriate therapy.
Referral to a Specialist – Based on symptoms or complaints, the family doctor determines which medical specialist should be consulted for further care.
Home Visits – In special circumstances, family doctors can make house calls, which is especially convenient for patients with limited mobility. For example, many remember how, during the pandemic, family physicians provided home services to patients in need.
In addition, family doctors offer general health recommendations — for example, about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the importance of routine screenings, and how often these should be performed.