In the early 20th century most physicians were general practitioners. As the century progressed medicine became more compartmentalized with doctors opting to specialize in certain fields. Rather than see a doctor for all your health needs you were referred to a gynecologist or neurologist or whatever specialty suited your situation. Today's family medical centers tend to have good old family doctors working right alongside specialists. Below are three reasons why it's important for your family to establish a relationship with your local medical clinic.

Takes Care of the Whole Family

A family practice is there to take care of the entire family. Since many offices have specialists in house, it's often easier for family doctors to make referrals. This also makes it easier for the various doctors to consult on cases. It's more convenient to just walk down the hall to chat with a colleague than track down someone that could be miles away.  Having all your doctors at one address is also easier on the patient. 

As the name implies, this type of doctor's office provides a true family atmosphere. Pediatricians are around for the little ones, obstetricians to care for those still unborn and geriatric doctors take care of the special needs of seniors. The general practice physician is in many ways the glue that holds the whole thing together.

First Contact in an Emergency

Having an established relationship with a doctor, or a team of doctors, gives you someone to call in an emergency, even if you end up heading for the emergency room. Family practices usually share off-hour on-call duties. Chances are you've met some of the other doctors on rotation. Having a friendly face meet you in the emergency room offers a degree of comfort. That comfort level is even more important for children. New surroundings can be scary for any child, especially when they aren't feeling well.

Having Your Medical History in One Place

In addition to your doctors being able to consult with nearby colleagues, it's also handy having your medical records and history in one place. They may be more easily accessed by specialists or by personnel at an emergency treatment center. Though doctors at emergency rooms do tend to take their own medical histories, having a complete record of your past and present treatments or an ongoing illness is even better.

That medical record becomes crucial if you are injured or unconscious and unable to communicate. The information can prevent administering drugs that you are allergic to or that don't mix with medications you are already taking. For example, if you've been in an auto accident and are bleeding, or need surgery, it helps to know that you are taking blood thinners. Physicians can then administer the correct medications to help control bleeding. For more information, contact establishments like Hampstead Medical Center PC.