The role of your primary care physician is to be the captain of your health care, the first step in reviewing your problem and advising you about a diagnostic path to solving it.
The first and most important step in health care is to identify a competent physician who is trained in internal medicine and primary care. A basic, detailed picture of your current health is essential to understanding your risks for disease and the need prevention of those disease as well as for specific treatment of disorders you actually have. A thorough knowledge of your past health history, your family history and your social and cultural history is essential to ensure a complete picture of who you are.
The role of your primary care physician is to be the captain of your health care; often patients consult specialists they think will be appropriate for an acute issue and utilize the internet or advice from a friend to select such an individual. That is a short cut that is usually not based on sound medical assessment; the primary care doctor should be the first step in reviewing your problem and advising you about a diagnostic path to solving it. If specialists are needed, the choice should be made with the guidance of your primary care physician and both doctors should confer after your visit to agree on a care plan. We make such communication and supervision a primary concern in our practice. Our referrals are targeted and appointments for specialist care are made with our help to ensure that you get seen promptly. It saves time, money and guarantees the best possible use of expert care for your problem.
Keeping current:
Continuous supervision of your health requires an annual review and assessment of your condition: we update your history and physical examination, and repeat important annual blood and other tests to make sure you are in good condition. Your medication list reviewed and/or renewed as needed during these visits.
