A primary care physician offers holistic health care and addresses a wide range of physical, emotional and mental health needs, all in one primary care clinic visit. Family Medicine Physicians care for patients of all ages, provide attention to the whole family, and have broad training in internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, office procedures, pregnancy and many other areas of medicine. They focus on preventive care, annual physical exams, acute care, and chronic disease management.
The first step in locating a primary care provider is finding someone you trust and find it easy to speak with regarding your physical and mental health concerns. The more you connect with your doctor through regular healthcare visits, the stronger your relationship becomes, resulting in better health outcomes.
As you develop a long-term relationship with your doctor, it’s important for them to understand your personal and family health history to create a care plan specific to your healthcare needs. Understanding and managing your chronic disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis, helps to minimize hospitalizations and emergency room visits. If there is a serious health problem requiring a specialist, they have a network of qualified and trusted physicians who are capable of addressing concerns and coordinating care with your primary care physician. Patients established with one doctor long term are less likely to go to the Emergency Room and have few hospitalizations.
As a Family Medicine Physician, I find the practice of medicine to be challenging and enjoyable. I am typically the first contact for people with any undiagnosed sign, symptom or health concern. I find the diversity of Family Medicine satisfying and enjoy working with patients of all ages on determining the diagnosis and treatment of their health problems.
The most rewarding aspect of my career is seeing patients improve their health by changing their lifestyles and discontinuing medications. I simply love my job because of the connections created with our patients. Because we are a small clinic, we know our patients by name and can coordinate care easily with specialists, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team.
If you or someone you know is looking for a primary care physician, please contact our office at 218-382-2870 or visit our website www.northstarfamilymedicine.org
Here are links to additional information and research on the importance of having a primary care physician.
Primary Care | AAFP
Contribution of Primary Care to Health Systems and Health – PMC
Primary Care | CMS
