We serve a wide range of patients, with a wide range of ailments and injuries. It might be after work or late at night, or on the weekend. Anytime is good for us; in fact, we see patients every day from all hours of the day and night.
However, after-hours medical treatment does not need to be replaced by your regular general practitioner. Many people are unaware of the value of maintaining a consistent doctor who they see for years on end, even a lifetime.
Here are a few of the many reasons why it’s crucial to have your own GP:
Someone who knows you
Having an appointment with your regular doctor allows him or her to get to know you better. A doctor-patient relationship can make you feel more at ease and enable open communication. The connection establishes a common base of knowledge, understanding, and trust.
You’ll save time by not having to repeat information about the drugs you take or your previous medical history, as your GP will always have this crucial data in your medical notes.
Your GP is a generalist
GPs are generalists, which is one of the most significant advantages. This implies they don’t just focus on a single area of the body or a specific disease. Pediatricians, for example, are specialists who treat children alone. A GP with a broad scope of knowledge can assist you with the numerous physical and mental symptoms that may occur.
Continuing and coordinated care
Your doctor is the main individual in charge of keeping track of your treatment if it requires the involvement of additional specialists. This might be a referral to a medical specialist, or other allied health professionals such as a psychologist or podiatrist. Other health carers recognize the crucial function played by your GP and therefore inform you about any consultations with them directly to
Management of chronic conditions
GPs are ideally positioned to manage chronic medical problems such as Diabetes, Asthma, and Arthritis, to name a few. GPs may also create Care Plans for numerous chronic diseases. This has been found to improve patient outcomes significantly. The Care Plan method entails giving you more involvement in your condition’s continuing care.
Local knowledge
Your doctor will have a solid understanding of the services available in your region to help you when needed. This is critical for many ailments, but especially so for those who have mental health issues and require counseling services.
Contact South Melbourne Family Practice for your medical needs.
