Frequently Asked Questions

What is Family Medicine?
Family Medicine is a medical specialty that
provides continuing, comprehensive health care to individuals and families.

In order to maintain Board Certification, Family Physicians must complete at least 150 hours of Continuing Medical Education every three years, and pass a comprehensive Board Certification exam every 7 years.

Studies suggest that access to family practice is associated with:

  • Improved health outcomes
  • Reduced emergency department use
  • Decreased rates of preventable hospital admissions
  • Less invasive, lower cost care
  • No differences in quality of care when compared to sub-specialist care
  • Higher patient satisfaction

Why a Family Physician?

Evidence suggests that strengthening the role of family practice in the health care system will facilitate access to affordable, high quality health care for all Americans.

What do Family Physicians Do?

Family Physicians:

  • Treat 90% of all medical problems
  • Treat both sexes and all age groups
  • Treat the whole person
  • Guide the patient through the healthcare system
  • Treat the entire family
  • Practice preventive care
  • Inform patients & perform community education


JUST A FEW OF THE MANY CONDITIONS FAMILY PHYSICIANS TREAT

  • AIDS/HIV disease
  • Alcohol or Drug problems
  • Endocrine problems – diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems
  • Fever and Infections
  • Heart problems – angina, heart disease, high blood pressure
  • Injuries – broken bones, cuts , sprains
  • Intestinal problems– abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea,   heartburn, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel, ulcers
  • Mental Health problems – anxiety, depression
  • Mother and Baby Care – prenatal care, delivery of babies, newborn care
  • Muscle and Bone problems – arthritis, back pain, bursitis, osteoporosis,
  • Neurologic problems – headaches, stroke
  • Respiratory problems – asthma, bronchitis, ear pain, emphysema, hay fever, pneumonia, allergies
  • Routine Health Care – babies, children, adolescents, adults, seniors, immunizations, smoking cessation, cancer screening
  • Skin problems – acne, moles, rashes, warts
  • Urinary problems – prostate, infections, kidney stones
  • Women's Health – abnormal periods, breast problems, menopause, pelvic pain, PAP smears, birth control


AND MUCH MORE!

Evidence suggests that strengthening the role of primary care practitioners in the health care system will facilitate access to affordable, high quality health care for all Americans.

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