New diseases and health conditions keep cropping up every year, pushing medical professionals to discover new ways of keeping us healthy. The needs of the human body have become so complex that for all of the conditions that you may encounter, you have a specialist to prescribe a particular treatment for it.
Immunologists target immune system disorders, while cardiologists are experts on the heart and blood vessels. There are medical professionals focused on taking care of your skin, while others take care of the bones. In almost every part of the body, there exists someone who has all the knowledge of keeping it healthy.
If there are physicians that specialize in specific ailments of the body, there has to be someone who looks after your overall health and well-being.
What is a primary care doctor?
Primary care doctors (PMDs) are at the forefront of keeping individuals and the community healthy. They are generalists, in a manner of speaking, as they are trained experts in a wide range of health conditions.
You might think that primary care implies simple or rudimentary medicine. On the contrary, PMD is a highly complex practice. They deal with a broad spectrum of common health conditions as well as a few uncommon ones. So, why does one need to have a primary care doctor on their growing list of doctors to keep on-hand? Here’s why:
PMDs Are the Managers of Your Health
To better understand your needs, PMDs record each and every symptom, ailment, or disease that you have. They can advise you on possible diseases you may acquire depending on your lifestyle. They help you realize any developing health problems you aren’t aware of. You can rely on them to know your entire medical history and any relevant information about your health.
PMDs See the Bigger Picture
Think of it as a doctor that has a bird’s eye view of all the symptoms and health conditions you currently have and those you have the risk of acquiring. Vision impairment, incontinence, depression, hypertension, obesity, are all conditions common to a lot of people that may or may not be connected. Only a PMD can establish a connection between those ailments and give the appropriate recommendations for it.
PMDs Interpret Results From Other Specialists
Since they have a better understanding of what ails you, PMDs can offer a more comprehensive explanation of your condition. They can provide a second opinion on whether you can actually benefit from a treatment recommended by another specialist. Your primary care doctor is capable of connecting the dots and may sometimes offer better advice for you.
PMDs Can Better Monitor Your Treatment
Since your PMD has a better understanding of your medical history, they can also look at what medications and treatment can actually hurt you. Some prescriptions can have an adverse drug effect on older or younger patients. A PMD will have a better idea about drug interactions, especially if a patient has a lot of medication. In some cases, they can even save you money by recommending cheaper alternatives to your current treatment and medications.
Conclusion
Throughout our entire history, mankind has always strived to keep up with the demands of the health care industry. While specialists are there to provide targeted treatment, primary care doctors are there to provide holistic care to you and your community.
Are you looking for a primary care doctor in New Jersey to advise you about your overall health? Dr. Kamalesh Shah, Dr. Tanmay Gosalia, and the rest of the Garden State Medical Group welcome you! We diagnose and treat common diseases and conditions to keep you healthy and strong. Contact our North Bergen and Secaucus locations today for an appointment!