In today's modern age of medicine, we hear so much positive feedback about urgent care centers. While these centers have transformed healthcare, it is important to understand that they are not meant to replace the role of a family physician. While urgent care doctors provide quick, convenient care when you are sick or injured, they simply cannot provide the same level of care as a doctor familiar especially when it comes to managing chronic health conditions.

Despite this, most people can benefit from utilizing urgent care, while still maintaining regular wellness checks and follow-up visits with their family physician for any chronic conditions they have been diagnosed with. Additionally, family physicians play an important role in preventative medicine, as well as testing for and diagnosing any illnesses that may need ongoing treatment over the course of your lifetime. For the most comprehensive healthcare, it is imperative that you have a regular family doctor overseeing your health. Read on to learn the top 12 most important reasons to trust a family doctor with your comprehensive healthcare needs.

1. 1.   Obtain Referrals to Necessary Specialists: Your family doctor can provide referrals to specialists when necessary. These specialists can diagnose and treat complex medical problems which require specialized care and expertise. Since your family doctor is familiar with your case, they will be able to refer you to the best specialist for your specific needs and are aware of which specialists have provided the best care to their past patients. Not to mention, many insurance providers require your family physician to refer you to necessary specialists or your insurance may deny your claim, making it important that you establish care with a family physician in Castle Rock before you develop a chronic condition.

2. Receive Comprehensive Care: Family doctors are trained to provide comprehensive care and they can help you manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, auto immune diseases, heart disease, etc. They will keep track of your overall health and routinely monitor how your condition is progressing, as well as making sure that all of your treatments remain consistent. Additionally, a family doctor is in the best position to catch any complications or side effects that may arise from your treatments, so any necessary adjustments or changes can be made promptly.
3. Have Access to Your Medical Records: Family doctors have access to your complete medical history, which helps them provide the best possible care. This means they will be able to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans based on information from past visits. In the same vein, your family doctor will get to know you on a personal level as a patient, which helps them to understand the whole picture when providing you with medical advice.
4. Get Personalized Care: Your family doctor can provide personalized care based on your individual health needs. Since they are familiar with your medical history and lifestyle, they can create a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. This not only helps ensure that you get the necessary care for any current conditions, but it also helps to prevent any future health problems. With the same family doctor overseeing your health care year of year, you will build a relationship with your provider and feel like he or she really cares about your well-being rather than being rushed through as just one more patient during a busy day at an urgent care center.
5. Receive Education: A family doctor can educate you about your health and your treatments, which can help you become more informed about how to promote and maintain your own health. They can answer questions, discuss options with you, make recommendations, and provide more detailed explanations of any medical issues or procedures that may be necessary.
6. Enjoy Longer Visits: When you visit your family doctor, the visits are typically longer than those provided at an urgent care center. This allows for a more thorough examination and review of your records. They have the time to discuss any lifestyle changes or additional treatment options that may be beneficial to improving your health, as well as addressing any concerns you may have on the spot.
7. Obtain Medication Refills: Your family doctor is in the best position to refill your medication. They know which medications you have been prescribed and can ensure that they are correctly refilled. This helps to prevent any errors or complications from occurring if you get a prescription written by another provider who may not be aware of your full medical history and current medications.
8. Obtain Vaccinations: Regular vaccinations are necessary for both adults and children. Your family doctor is in the best position to monitor your vaccination record to ensure you are up to date on any current vaccines. They also have the knowledge and time to educate you on the efficacy and risks involved with any vaccine you may have questions about.
9. Access To Telemedicine: The majority of family doctors are now able to offer telemedicine services, which provide greater access and convenience for patients. With telemedicine, you can get the same quality of care without having to leave your home. This is especially helpful during times when traveling to the doctor is not an option or during a pandemic when it's important to limit in-person visits.
10. Receive Preventative Health-Care Services: Preventative care is essential for maintaining your health and can help you avoid any future medical problems. Your family doctor is in the best position to provide preventative services, such as regular check-ups, health screenings, and lifestyle advice. During these visits, your doctor may suggest routine blood work that may be able to identify a range of conditions before they have time to cause more significant health issues.
11. Save Money on Your Heath Care: Having a family doctor can save you money in the long run. Since your doctor completes regular health screenings, they should identify potential health issues more quickly, so they can be managed before they lead to chronic conditions. Ultimately, the healthier you are, the less you will spend on medical care as a whole. 
12. Enjoy Having a Medical Home: When you choose a family doctor, they become your “medical home.” This means that they are the go-to person for all of your medical needs. Whether you are sick, need preventative screenings, vaccines, a prescription refill, or a referral, your family doctor can be the one stop shop for all your medical needs. As was aforementioned, they will coordinate services with specialists and provide continuity of care as needed. Thus, they can help you find the proper resources for any health issues, even those that arise outside of their scope of practice.

In conclusion, having a family doctor provides many benefits when it comes to managing your health. No matter what your healthcare needs, a family doctor can be an essential part of maintaining your overall health and well-being. While urgent care centers and emergency rooms are important elements of comprehensive medical care, they simply were not meant to take the place of family medicine. Thus, if you don't have your own medical home yet, find the right family physician to manage your healthcare today!