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Family doctors generally offer personalized care to patients, to promote a healthy lifestyle. They usually coordinate medical care with other experts, and monitor chronic health problems. They collect, store and maintain patient records, including your history and exam results. They refer patients for specialized care and recommend alternative treatments. These family doctors also often act as liaison between you and your doctor about various health concerns or issues.

As part of your treatment plan, you will find that your family physician may perform a physical exam to determine if you need further testing or if there is anything else you can do to make the condition better. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medicine for a specific condition. Some family doctors also have procedures or equipment at their practice to offer you assistance in relieving pain or managing your symptoms. They may also be able to refer you to another doctor if you feel more comfortable with a different provider.

Many family physicians offer preventive care for all ages of people in their practice. They may check blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart rate before prescribing a medicine. They may offer advice on how to care for your body, such as how to manage stress, avoid eating foods high in cholesterol or exercise to strengthen your heart. Your family doctor may also recommend an examination to make sure that you are not having any health problems you should be aware of.

You may find that most family physicians are highly skilled in the areas of family medicine and internal medicine. They know a lot about your family history, your current medical conditions and how to care for your body. These doctors may treat your overall health, diagnose and treat your conditions and disorders, and also recommend alternative treatments if necessary.

Family doctors are very familiar with what medications your family may need, what you eat and how you react to certain treatments. It is important that you feel comfortable talking to your family doctors. If you decide to switch medications or change doctors, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor first. Although they have dealt with similar situations many times, you should be aware of any potential risks, side effects or potential complications of a new medication or treatment that you may be allergic to.

Your family physician may also work closely with other members of your family to help ensure you receive the best possible care. Your doctor may attend to your children’s vaccinations or monitor their health as they grow older. They may even schedule check on them if they are ill or injured, as a parent or guardian. These doctors are also skilled in taking care of your aging parents. They will help to maintain their health and provide referrals to other professionals in the case of an emergency, or if you become ill and cannot take care of yourself on your own.