Continuity of care with a regular doctor
If you’re visiting a new doctor for the first time, are you planning to maintain continuity with them when it comes to your healthcare?
As it turns out, having a regular GP is more important than you might think. The benefits of having a regular doctor include better access to care and better outcomes in general. But how do you get that regular doctor? And what exactly does “continuity” mean? In this post we’ll explore what continuity of care means, why it’s so important for people’s health outcomes and how they can get it.
What is continuity of care?
Continuity of care means seeing the same doctor for all your health needs.
We believe that if patients saw the same doctor, the effectiveness of the consultation would improve. The evidence indicates that continuity of care is of great benefit for both patients and doctors.
Why having a regular GP is better for your health outcomes
Doctors working in a busy clinic frequently encounter new patients, and within a very limited time must get familiar with their medical history, establish trust, and address their present concerns.
A regular doctor is more likely to know or at least very quickly understand your medical history, so they can provide better, more comprehensive care. They are also more likely to offer you preventive care and be aware of contributing factors to your health that may not be immediately apparent at the time of your visit.
How do I get continuity of care?
To get continuity of care, you can book in with your regular doctor when you need an appointment, or if they’re away or fully booked, book with a GP in the same practice. That way, your treating doctor has access to all relevant information about your care history, for example allergies, chronic health conditions and medications, and you can get the most out of your appointment.
The best way to maintain continuity is to choose a regular doctor
Finding a regular doctor who you feel comfortable with, who understands your needs and who is willing to take on new patients, can be difficult but it’s worth the effort.
Visit your regular doctor whenever possible when sick or injured to allow them to catch potential problems early on and ensure continuity between visits.
If you do not have a regular doctor and would like one, ask at Reception for help finding a GP who has availability and suits your needs and stage of life.
Continuity of care is becoming more scarce in the fast-paced world of modern medicine. At Robina Town Medical Centre, we are committed to changing this trend. Despite being a large clinic, we uphold the traditional values of patient care within a team-based approach so your family doctor can help improve the health and wellness of you and your family.