Family Medicine: A Key to Health

Family Medicine Provider Cares For The Whole Family Your family medicine provider is an important key to health for your whole family.Unlike specialties that are limited to a particular organ or disease, family medicine integrates care for patients of all ages and all genders. It is the only medical profession devoted solely to primary care, and is its own specialty.The family medicine physician is trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of problems. Family medicine physicians complete a residency program which gives them experience in many of the various areas they will cover in their clinic: geriatrics, dermatology, and general health and wellness.Advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) are family medicine providers who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and provide preventative care. Nurse Practitioners are certified by the The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. PA-Cs are certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs.The family medicine provider is the place to start with any medical concern. The family medicine provider considers the whole person – not just one particular body system. The family medicine provider also considers how various conditions affect one another, and treat the person with all health issues in mind. If the family medicine provider feels the patient needs to see a specialist, a referral will be made.Family medicine providers will consider a patient’s family history and personal health history and order screenings and routine diagnostic exams as appropriate. These screenings and routine diagnostic exams are very important in staying healthy. Family medicine providers will also order vaccinations and other preventative care as is appropriate for the patient.When calling the family medicine clinic, explain the nature of the medical need. Is the appointment for a health concern that should be seen right away? Is the appointment for a physical or routine followup? Same-day appointments are typically available for health concerns that need immediate attention.It is important to see your family medicine provider regularly for check ups, follow up, and blood tests. It is also important to keep your family medicine provider informed after specialist or emergency room visits.Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic has five board-certified family medicine physicians, four board-certified nurse practitioners, and two board-certified physician assistants.Jefferson Community Health & Life encourages everyone to see a family medicine provider routinely for preventative care, to ensure we have healthy families for life.

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