2019 Healthcare Trends that Could Impact Patients in Connecticut
Experts point out that the U.S. healthcare system is moving toward a financial model that is based on value rather than volume. Whereas historically each patient visit to a doctor’s office or emergency room was seen as a revenue opportunity, healthcare systems are now more focused on keeping people healthy and out of the hospital. We can expect this evolution in healthcare to improve the patient experience and help strengthen customer loyalty, build reputation and brand, and even improve the overall health of our communities. And for patients, remaining healthy means spending less money on healthcare, using less time to receive care, and encountering less inconvenience.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Recognizing Flu Symptoms in Adults and When to See the Doctor
Tis the season – unfortunately we’re talking flu season- where you start to wonder if what you’re feeling is more than just the common cold. With December 2 – 8 marking National Influenza Vaccination Week, it’s a timely step to receive your flu vaccine (if you haven’t already) and to better understand the flu symptoms in adults so that if you do get sick this winter, you can tell if you have the flu or have contracted a common cold.
American Diabetes Month: Knowing the Symptoms of Diabetes Can Help You Avoid Complications
November is National Diabetes Month which makes it an opportune time to provide education on the basic facts about this disease. Diabetes mellitus is typically a chronic condition but can be effectively managed when caught early. However, when left untreated it can have potentially devastating effects and lead to potential complications that include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
From Pediatrician to Family Practice Doctor – Choosing the Right Time to Make the Move
Pediatricians are children’s medicine specialists, treating kids at all stages of life, from newborns to adolescents. Your pediatrician may even develop into a trusted family friend, having helped your child through common childhood illnesses, injuries from school sports, and even the awkwardness of puberty. Parents tend to select their children’s pediatrician carefully, so it can be a bit nerve-wracking when you feel it may be time to move on to a primary care physician that treats older children and adults.
Are Family Doctors a Thing of the Past? 4 Benefits of Seeing a Family Doctor
While the days of house calls in horse-drawn carriages and baby deliveries by lamplight are gone, modern family doctors still offer some of the same traditional healthcare benefits, specifically, their ability to provide healthcare for the entire family – from children to seniors. It is not at all uncommon for a family physician to treat several generations of the same family, although they can also serve as a primary care physician for an individual. Whether you are single, a new couple or have a large family, a family doctor is there to safeguard the long-term health of you and your family as well as support your medical needs if any health issues arise. Although patients are not required to have a family medicine specialist who they regularly see, a family doctor can provide convenience and simply make it easier to stay healthy.
Here is a look at some specific benefits of seeing a family doctor:
1. Convenient Initial Point of Care
If you’re shopping for groceries, it can be inconvenient and time-consuming to visit half a dozen separate specialty stores, traveling to a produce market, butcher’s shop, bakery, etc. Why not just visit a supermarket instead? This same concept holds true for family medicine. A family doctor is your one-stop shop for general medical problems and health maintenance, typically including:
Internal Medicine vs Family Practice Specialists: Understanding the Differences…and which one is right for you?
When looking for a primary care physician (PCP), we are often asked about the difference between family practices and internal medicine physicians. As a patient, it is always important to know these distinctions as they can help you make the right decision for you and potentially your family’s care. While these disciplines have much in common, there is some crucial divergence when it comes to patient population, setting and scope of practice that can impact your provider selection.
