It is very useful to develop ongoing relationships with primary care physicians, because they get to know you over the years. Therefore, they are more likely to notice changes in your health.

Family care physicians can treat minor acute problems like colds or flu that help you manage chronic conditions. They can answer any questions you may have and refer you to a specialist if necessary. If taking medication consistently, they will write and renew your prescriptions.

You should start to see your primary care physician before you actually need them. Scheduled check-up every year. In many organizations, then you must schedule an appointment weeks or months in advance. Do not wait to schedule an appointment, even if you do not urgently need one at the moment.

On the first visit, the doctor will ask you and your family’s health, particularly major diseases such as cancer, and any medications you are taking and if you experience symptoms.

Prepare for the visit by writing down all the major diseases and conditions that you have had in the past or that you still have to deal with, all the medicines you are taking (including portions thereof), any questions you might have or have recently been signs of what they are, what are they and what serves them. Bring any results that you may have, for example, if you recently went to an urgent care facility and the results of screenings, such as mammograms.

Your doctor may schedule tests to investigate symptoms. A blood test is usually ordered, even if you do not have any concerns, in order to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You will get the results a few days later and the doctor or nurse will call you if there are any concerns.

If your doctor finds that you have to explore further or more tests, they will refer you to a specialist. Many insurance plans and also many experts require that you do care physician first to avoid unnecessary costs.

Good family doctor will also allow you to prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, which are often caused by obesity due to lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet.

You can find a family doctor by asking relatives, friends and colleagues. If you are not happy with your doctor on your first visit, especially if he or she is in a rush and did not answer questions, then look for another doctor. There are many great family doctors will be happy to count you in your patients.