As patients, we must relate to a sometimes dysfunctional health-care “system.” It is often hard to get access, even if you figure out who can diagnose and treat your problem. Insurance coverage is spotty and expensive.
We all need a “medical home,” a place where the big picture can be discerned, where the whole you can be understood, not just one disease or organ system. The office of your local family physician is just such a place. The American Academy of Family Physicians is advocating a medical home for every American. This would allow everyone an access point to our complex medical system, and a place to receive guidance in navigating through it. A medical home reduces the chance for conflicting medications from various doctors, as there is a place where this can be supervised and coordinated.
Family Physician Week, which was recently proclaimed by Gov. Gregoire, is a good time to consider the benefits of having a doctor “who specializes in you.” Because family doctors take care of all ages, a child may continue to be a patient into adulthood – and bring in grandma, if she moves to be closer to the grandkids. These long-term relationships with physicians lead to close communication, trust and the ability to sort out issues quickly and efficiently. Is this chest pain something that requires a cardiologist or a twinge from raking the leaves? Your family physician can arrange timely testing and consultation, or dispense reassurance as appropriate.
Studies show that both the quality and efficiency of medical care in a population go up as the ratio of family physicians to other specialists increases. When you have established a relationship with a doctor trained in whole person care, you have taken a big step toward maintaining and improving your health.
Join the 2,600 family doctors of Washington in celebrating Family Physician Week. More importantly, make that appointment!
Ival Salyer, M.D.
President, Snohomish-Skagit Chapter of Washington Academy of Family Physicians
Snohomish
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