Did you know you don’t need to have a family to have a primary family medicine provider? We just thought we’d clear that up!

Rather than going to a walk-in clinic or the emergency room as a primary source of medical care, it’s best to get to know a family medicine provider so they can be the “point person” in your ongoing healthcare needs. The family medicine practitioners at Glacial Ridge Health System are specialists who are highly skilled and qualified to treat a variety of healthcare conditions for all ages and stages—from newborns and pediatric care to the concerns that arise for teens, adults, and elders. The comprehensive care they provide ranges from wellness exams and monitoring child development, to the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, diseases, injuries, chronic conditions, and more.

How often should you see a family medicine provider?

Whether you choose to see a doctor, certified nurse practitioner, or certified physician assistant, when you see the same person over a period of time, you build a relationship of trust. They can get to know your physical condition, as well as know you on a more personal level. Even if you don’t have a complicated medical history, it’s beneficial to have an annual exam. Your family medicine provider can evaluate your overall health, compare the results to the previous year’s screenings and tests, and address any concerns you may have.

Why else is an annual appointment important?

When your provider knows your medical history, as well as your family’s history, they’ll know when to recommend screenings or tests to monitor concerns. Fluctuations in blood pressure or weight gain (or loss), can indicate that something is changing in your body and may need to be watched more carefully. In such cases, they may even be able to help you avoid becoming sick due to a treatable genetic condition.

Managing Chronic Conditions

In addition to performing your annual check-up, family medicine providers also help to manage chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. What if your condition needs a specialist beyond the care that family medicine can provide? Because your provider has also gotten to know the kind of treatments you prefer (for example, conservative compared to aggressive), they will also be able to discuss referral options if you need additional care with a specialist.

At Glacial Ridge, our family medicine providers are dedicated to helping you keep your family well—whatever your healthcare needs!