Family Medicine
Family physicians treat 90 percent of all medical problems with a focus on preventative care to help people get well, stay well and help avoid potential complications at every stage of life.
Today, many people seek a medical specialist’s care only to discover the scope of practice is limited and a referral may be necessary. With medical costs mounting and the healthcare landscape ever-changing, family medicine is a cost-efficient pathway to providing comprehensive and preventative care to individuals and families. Additionally, an increasing number of Georgia family medicine practices now offer patients a true medical home.
The comprehensive, whole-person care many patients seek is delivered by family physicians who are trained and equipped to be a personal healthcare provider, coach and advocate at every stage and age of life.
Increasing the utilization and number of family medicine providers in Georgia can help overcome barriers to care access, improve patient satisfaction and health and, with its focus on prevention, ultimately lower healthcare costs. If specialty care is needed, the family physician guides the patient through the healthcare system and stays informed as the primary care provider to ensure quality and continuity of care.
Studies show that access to a family physician’s care improves health outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, reduces emergency department utilization, and decreases preventable hospital admission rates by delivering a less invasive and lower cost full continuum of care.
Family Physicians:
- Treat 90 percent of all medical problems
- Focus on preventative care to avoid future complications and/or chronic conditions
- Deliver whole person care to all age groups and family members
- Guide patients through the healthcare system
- Provide extensive education to their patients and community
Review the State of Family Medicine in Georgia: