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call us at 503-325-4321
AFTER
years of specialized
medical training, your doctor is an
expert on the human body. He or
she knows how it works, how to help
keep it healthy and how to treat it if
something goes wrong.
But even with all that expertise,
your doctor will have a hard time
treating you without knowing the
details of your unique medical
situation. +at’s why it’s so important
for you and your doctor to have a
strong working relationship based on
open communication.
Your primary care doctor
+e main doctor-patient
relationship for most people involves
a primary care physician. Among
other things, these doctors:
w
Diagnose medical problems.
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Treat a variety of illnesses and
conditions.
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Coordinate health
care with other
medical professionals,
if needed.
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Help patients learn how to care for
their own needs.
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Help prevent health problems from
occurring in the $rst place.
A doctor for every patient
+ere are several types of primary
care doctors. For example:
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A family physician is trained to
care for people of all ages and both
genders.
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An internist, or doctor of internal
medicine, focuses on the medical
conditions faced by adult patients.
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A pediatrician works with
newborns, infants, children, teens
and even young adults.
Do your part
Before your
next doctor’s
appointment,
take a little time
to get ready.
Gather up your
medications—
including any
herbal and
alternative
remedies that you
may take—and
bring them with
you to the doctor’s
o&ce. Be ready to
tell your doctor if
you are allergic to
any medications.
Also, before
your visit, consider
writing down any
questions you want your doctor
to answer. You’ll be less likely to
forget something. Put the most
important questions $rst, so you’ll
be sure to ask them before the visit
ends.
During your visit, tell your
doctor about your symptoms and
anything else you think he or
she needs to know. For instance,
be sure to mention when your
symptoms started, how often they
occur and how long they last.
Honestly answer all your doctor’s
questions, even the ones that
might seem a little embarrassing.
Remember, everything you talk about
Why it’s important to have a primary care doctor
with your doctor is confidential.
Also, pay attention when your
doctor speaks. It can be a good idea
to repeat what he or she says in
your own words so you’re sure you
understand. If you’re confused, don’t
hesitate to ask questions.
If your doctor recommends
medication, ask about possible
side e#ects. If your doctor suggests
surgery, be sure you understand
the risks and bene$ts. If you have
a condition that has a number of
treatment options, ask about the pros
and cons of each one.
While maintaining an ongoing
relationship with your doctor may
take a little work, it can pay o# in a
lifetime of better health.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American
Academy of Family Physicians; American Medical Association
A partnership
for good health
PRIMARY CARE
Need a primary care doctor for yourself
or a loved one? Visit us on the Web at
www.columbiamemorial.org
.
Kevin Baxter,
DO, family medicine physician