Chronic Disease Management: What Your Family Doctor Can Do for You

If you have a chronic disease, you probably visit your family doctor for help in managing it. Chronic disease management includes managing your symptoms, so you can continue to enjoy life. Management of your disease allows your doctor to slow down its progression and control its symptoms, letting you take your life back. 

Managing your health and chronic condition involves a comprehensive approach, which means keeping you healthier and happier at the same time. Your family doctor understands your overall health profile to find ways to improve your condition. They will take into account all the factors that influence the development of your diseases, so they can develop a health solution to control your condition and minimize its symptoms. Chronic diseases your family doctor can help manage include heart disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. 

The Role of Your Primary Care Doctor

When your chronic condition is managed properly with the help of your primary care doctor, you can have an improved quality of life despite it. Also, you can minimize your health care costs since you can prevent or reduce the disease’s effects. Regular visits to your doctor allow you and them to stay connected, resulting in more coordinated care. Your doctor can also determine care gaps and monitor your disease between visits. 

Moreover, your physician may examine your lifestyle, so they can understand the factors that can contribute to your illness. For instance, if you are diabetic, maintaining an unhealthy diet can worsen your condition. To better manage your disease, your doctor will understand your disease, your environment, and your lifestyle as well as their effects on your condition. 

Chronic Disease Management Services You Need

Your regular visit to your primary care physician may involve the following:

• Screenings. Screenings can identify risk factors, which can help prevent disease and reduce the seriousness of conditions through early detection. For instance, you may go through blood pressure screening and control to prevent heart disease and stroke. 
• Medical checkups. Your visit to your family doctor allows you to learn ways to manage your condition. For instance, if you are suffering from a chronic heart problem, your doctor will check you up regularly to determine if your medications are helping with your condition or if they have to refer you to a specialist. 
• Treatment coordination. By having a physician who knows your medical history and serves as your care coordinator, you can be sure you don’t take redundant medical tests and procedures, go to the emergency room unnecessarily, or make medication errors. You can also turn to your doctor for help in managing your medications, particularly if you are suffering from several chronic illnesses. 
• Patient education. Your doctor will keep you informed about the progress of your condition, what to expect from it in the long run, and what you can do to reduce your risk of complications. Also, they can help you understand target numbers for health measures like cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight, so your health will improve. 
• Psychological care. A chronic illness is not only a physical problem. The weight of carrying it can be excruciating to you and your support system. Sure, you can easily concentrate on your treatment; however, you must be fully present during the battle. You can face depression or anxiety because of your diagnosis. When this happens, your treatment will be undermined. That is why your doctor will ensure you also get proper psychological care and support groups. Your visit to your primary care doctor may include psychological checkups to ensure your disease is not tipping you into a depressive state.

Similar Posts:

• Advice to Prepare for Becoming a Mother