Going to family physician

[Bini]

My husband and I are considering a family physician. Up to this point, we have gone to specialists for various things, such as the OBGYN and pediatrician, both of which I'm satisfied with. Unfortunately, a health issue has come up that requires a referral from our primary caregiver in order to move forwards with testing. This is something that has to be done, and soon. Meanwhile, it makes sense that after we receive the medical treatment needed from the specialist, we'll continue to use the family physician that provided the referral. Then all annual checkups etc are done at the same place, something that is currently not done, obviously.

I'm wondering if we'd ever get a family physician if this health issue hadn't popped up. When I lived at home, we had a family physician, and my parents still go to him after all these years. Guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, and, it does seem to be a logical choice. Is this what most families do then?

[pam]

I have a family physician that I use for general things. He refers me to a specialist if needed.

There is really no need for a specialist for some ailments.

[applepansy]

Most common health issues do not require a specialist. An internist or Family Practice specialist will be fine. They will always refer if necessary and you can always request a referral if you think you need one.

[Guest]

We have a family physician but I don't go to him. Only my husband goes to him. He doesn't see my kids. He is purely 18 and above only. His wife is a pediatrician and her office is in the same building as his. All those 17 and below go to her. But, I don't go to her either because I prefer the holistic pediatrician. The holistic pediatrician doesn't have a family practitioner in her practice. They do have a GYN - which could have been my general doctor as well, but I don't go to her either. I don't have a doctor. My doctor is my brother and he's in the Philippines.

[Guest]

I really like our family physician. My husband and I have gone to him for normal sickness things and my husband goes for checkups. I think I'll start taking my kids, too, because he's just as good and the pediatrician is far away and really expensive. I'll still be seeing my GYN, though, because our family MD is in our ward, and just. . . no.

[Bini]

I really like our family physician. My husband and I have gone to him for normal sickness things and my husband goes for checkups. I think I'll start taking my kids, too, because he's just as good and the pediatrician is far away and really expensive. I'll still be seeing my GYN, though, because our family MD is in our ward, and just. . . no.

Feeling comfortable with your physician is a biggie for me. And I totally understand your specific reasoning.

When it comes to doctors, I don't care how fancy the facility is, or how high tech the equipment is. Yes, that's all nice but how a doctor responds to his patients is more important to me. If he or she lacks people skills, and identifies me as just another number, I'm not interested in being their patient. I know how crazy things can get in a doctor office but for me, it's just not an excuse to rush people in and out, making them feel like they're taking up your precious time.. Lol. I realise doctors are busy and have busy schedules but.. gees..

[Guest]

Our family doc takes lots of time, explores all avenues, and is very thorough. If he can't find a solution, he studies it and figures it out. And he's cheaper than specialists!

[Iggy]

After going to MD's ~ family practitioner, general practitioners all my life, I just never thought there was any other Dr. other than those that specialized.

Then I had an emergency and the only Dr who could see me at the clinic I was going to was a DO (Osteopathic Medicine).

From Wikipedia:

Osteopathic medicine is considered by some in the United States to be both a profession and a social movement,[8][9] especially for its historically greater emphasis on primary care and holistic health. However, any distinction between the M.D. and the D.O. professions has eroded steadily; diminishing numbers of D.O. graduates enter primary care fields,[10] fewer use OMM, holistic patient care models are increasingly taught at M.D. schools, and increasing numbers of osteopathic graduates choose to train in non-osteopathic residency programs.[11][12][13]

I received better care, was listened to and asked by the Dr what my thoughts and feelings were. I was never rushed. My Diabetic Education Nurse was from the same clinic and she and my Dr worked closely with me.

I got my husband going to the same Dr., and he really liked him- even though the Dr refused to renew his prescription to Byetta- telling him you are NOT diabetic and the Byetta is doing way more harm than good.

If you have an OD who is accepting of your insurance program, then that is who I would recommend.

[pam]

My family doctor is a DO.

[NightSG]

I'll still be seeing my GYN, though, because our family MD is in our ward, and just. . . no.

As a psychologist friend once said when I asked her to set me up an appointment, "Psychologists, proctologists and gynecologists all dig deeply into parts of you that you keep everybody else away from for good reasons. That's not conducive to continued friendship."