What Does a Family Practice Physician Mean?

You may have heard the term, family practice physician before but what exactly does a family practice physician do?

A family practice doctor must successfully complete an accredited three-year family medicine residency in the United States in addition to their medical degree. The benefit to using a family practice doctor is that they deliver a wide range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services, as well as, diagnosing and treating illness. One of the biggest jobs of a family doctor is to provide preventive care in the form of routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests. Many physicians will offer guidance on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Family physicians also manage chronic illness and often coordinate their health care plans with other specialists.

One such chronic illness that requires the care of a family practice doctor is diabetic care. Diabetes is an affliction that requires monitoring of your insulin levels and may require a special diet.