If you do not have a primary care physician (PCP) – also called a general practitioner (GP) or a family doctor – chances are, seeking medical care may seem a bit impersonal. You may be in the habit of just going to the nearby urgent care clinic every time you have a bad cold or other health issue, so you have to explain your medical history every time you develop an illness.
Studies consistently show that patients who see a primary care physician have a higher level of satisfaction with the medical care they receive than those who do not. There are many benefits to having a primary care physician, including the following:
A Personal Connection
As soon as your primary care doctor sees your chart and sees your face, they remember you. This is the doctor who knows your medical history – the illnesses you’ve had, your family members’ history of illnesses, your immunizations, allergies, and medications you’ve taken and are currently taking.
This doctor knows all about your chronic diseases and helps you manage them. It is a much better prospect than starting with a new primary care physician each time, which is not good especially if you have a chronic condition.
Continuity of Medical Care
Because your primary care physician knows your complete medical history, this saves you the time of having to explain your chronic diseases, genetic predisposition, or having to remember your immunization history. It’s all in your chart. If you roam from doctor to doctor, there is no medical chart for the doctor to refer to.
Preventive Care
When you are under the care of a primary care practice, you will have regular screenings to check for things that you may be susceptible to. This helps to detect disease in its early stages, enabling you to prevent it from developing. Regular visits to your PCP will help the doctor pick up on nuances with your health and detect disease in its early stages when it is still treatable.
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are preventable. Your primary care physician can create a preventive plan for the disease you are predisposed to having.
And if it comes to a point where you need to be referred to a specialist, your primary care doctor can recommend a specialist whose style you are likely to be comfortable with. Ultimately, your primary care physician can make sure you receive the best possible care.
Primary Care Physician in Dearborn, Michigan
Our family medicine practice provides highly personalized primary care services to patients in and around the Dearborn area. Our compassionate medical team, headed by Dr. Sham Maghout-Juratli, diagnoses and treats chronic and acute illnesses that affect the whole family, from teens to seniors.
Dr. Sham wants you to feel comfortable during your visit to her practice. Our team’s philosophy couldn’t be further from the cookie-cutter approach that other physicians employ – we empower you to be an advocate of your health. Dr. Sham is affiliated with Beaumont Hospital – Dearborn, so she can quickly refer you to any specialist necessary to address your medical needs.
To request an appointment with Dr. Sham, please call us at (313) 451-8253 or use our online form. Our friendly staff looks forward to hearing from you!
