What is a family doctor?

A family doctor cares for people of all ages, from infants to adults. They provide a variety of general health services, including diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses, monitoring of chronic disease, immunizations, and more.

It’s important to establish care with a family doctor, even if you feel healthy — potentially serious conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes present few obvious symptoms. Routine checkups can alert you early on when they’re easiest to treat.

What services does a family doctor provide?

At JAM Wellness Clinics, the team of family doctors provides a complete suite of services, including:

Annual physicals

A physical exam assesses your mental and physical health. It involves your JAM Wellness Clinics provider checking your vital signs, testing your reflexes, palpating your organs, and examining your ears, eyes, nose, and throat.

Depending on your age and medical history, a physical might also include preventive screenings, blood work, or immunizations.

Preventive screenings

Preventive screenings are routine procedures that try to catch potentially serious issues early on. Some of the most common preventive screenings measures include Pap tests, prostate exams, breast exams, and testicular exams.

Immunizations

Immunizations teach your immune system to identify and destroy harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Staying up-to-date on your immunizations is one of the easiest ways to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

Lab work

Lab work is a group of tests that analyze your blood, urine, or saliva. These tests help the team diagnose conditions invisible to the eye, including high cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute injuries and illnesses

If you develop a high fever or sprain your ankle, a family doctor can determine the underlying cause or the severity and develop a custom treatment plan. The team even offers telemedicine for easy access if you can’t make it to the nearest office.

Referrals to specialists

The team at JAM Wellness Clinics treats most acute and chronic conditions, but certain illnesses, like cancer, require more specialized care. If necessary, your family doctor can refer you to a specialist nearby.

Prescription medication

If your provider determines you can benefit from medication, they can write you a prescription and approve refills as necessary.

How often should I visit my family doctor?

The team at JAM Wellness Clinics recommends you schedule a visit at least once annually. Routine checkups take very little time and are important to maintain great health.

To request your family doctor consultation, make an appointment at JAM Wellness Clinics by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.