Why a General Physician
General Physicians (GPs), also known as primary care doctors or family doctors, are crucial for providing all-around healthcare, especially to elderly patients. Going to a specialist doctor always might not be the best course of action, even though specialists have in-depth knowledge and competence in particular fields of medicine, there are some circumstances in which a GP may be more appropriate than a specialist. So, why is a general physician better suited than a specialist, especially for seniors?
1 Continuity of care and personalised treatment
One of the primary benefits of GPs for elderly patients in India lies in the continuity of care they provide. By building enduring relationships, GPs offer individualized care that considers the overall health of the patient and any urgent medical concerns. By building long-term relationships with patients and their families, GPs become familiar with their medical history, lifestyle, and specific needs. This familiarity allows them to understand the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and individual needs, leading to tailored treatment plans and enhanced trust between doctors and senior patients.
2 Affordability and convenience
In India GPs usually charge less for appointments compared to specialists. This affordability is beneficial for elderly patients who may require frequent medical visits. GPs are equipped to handle common health problems experienced by seniors, such as rashes or fevers. By serving as a primary point of contact for basic health concerns, they reduce the need for multiple visits to different specialists, making healthcare more convenient for elders.
3 Preventive healthcare
GPs place a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, which is particularly important for senior patients. Through regular check-ups, vaccinations, and proactive guidance. GPs actively promote healthy ageing and reduce age-related health risks. By focusing on preventive measures, general physicians contribute to better overall well-being and quality of life of elderly patients.
4 Coordination of care
Given that many seniors patients have multiple chronic conditions that require care from various specialists. GPs are necessary to coordinate and integrate healthcare services. Acting as a central point of contact, they enable effective communication and collaboration among different specialists. This ensures seamless and well-aligned medical interventions, leading to improved health outcomes for elderly patients in India.
In India, GPs are instrumental in caring for elderly patients because they provide ongoing care, personalised treatment, affordability, and coordinated care. However, there are some situations in which specialist’s treatment is required. Here also GPs are there to guide the seniors, as they can recommend the name of specialists for the particular disease.
In my blog next week, I will write about the things to consider while looking for a general physician.
I am waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
3rd August 2023
Tushar Khanna
Very nice article, here in UK everybody has to go to GP.
One flip side is initial wrong diagnosis causing incorrect line of treatment and prolong illness.