WHY YOU NEED A FAMILY DOCTOR
A consistent relationship with a family doctor & health team
can ensure you are healthier as you age
Research shows you will receive better care, make fewer visits to emergency rooms and live longer. In fact, there’s a long – and growing – list of reasons why you need a family doctor.
Your family doctor is your main point of contact – or ‘home base’ – in the health system. Also known as your health or medical home, your doctor’s clinic can meet your everyday health needs and connect you to other health and social services. Because they know your history, they can help reduce the number of times you have to tell your story or undergo duplicate tests.
Benefits of having a family doctor:
- More support to achieve your personal health goals
- Preventative care and disease management
- Your doctor knows your health history and needs
- Access to a team of health professionals, free programs and services
- Your knowledge and preferences are valued; you can play a greater role in decision-making
“Albertans who have a continuous relationship with a family doctor and team don’t just improve their health. They can also help to save costs. ”
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS
Screening Saves Lives
In the majority of cases, colorectal cancer is preventable and yet, thousands of people are diagnosed with advanced stage colorectal cancer each year in Canada. If, however, the cancer is detected early through screening, it may be highly treatable and potentially curable.
The majority of colorectal cancers begin as benign growths in the lining of the large intestine wall called adenomatous polyps. Over the years (between 5 and 10 years), these polyps grow in size and number, thereby increasing the risk that the cells in the polyps will become cancerous, invade the wall, and move on to other organs. Approximately two-thirds of these cancers are found in the large intestine and one third in the rectum. Early identification and removal of these growths will prevent colorectal cancer from developing in the first place.
Being screened as part of a regular physical exam has the potential to save lives. Patients at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and those experiencing related symptoms should not delay talking to their doctor about appropriate screening and diagnosis options.
–information courtesy of Colorectal Cancer Canada
The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is an organized provincial colon cancer screening program coordinated by Alberta Health Services in partnership with health care providers dedicated to increasing the number of men and women ages 50 to 74 who have regular colon cancer screening.
Click for more info about the Alberta Colorectal Screening Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are all physicians currently accepting new patients?
Physicians strive to provide their patients with the highest quality of care and do try their best to have openings for new patients. There are instances where a physician may need to close their practice to new patients in order to ensure existing patients receive the best care possible. Our website will provide updates regarding the status of physicians “currently accepting new patients.” Prospective patients are encouraged to contact the clinic directly for the most up to date information.
Can I see a doctor without an appointment?
Although appointments are generally required to see a physician, many of our clinics provide walk-in or urgent care hours. Please refer to the Medical Clinic Section on our website for general clinic information and telephone numbers. Patients are encouraged to call the clinic for detailed walk-in information.
What is a family practitioner (FP)?
A family practitioner (FP) is a physician/medical doctor who provides primary care to all ages. They treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care and health education.
What is a Primary Care Network?
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) bring local physicians and other health care professionals together to provide comprehensive patient care to Albertans. PCNs develop local solutions to meet the needs of their local health issues.
What is Primary Care?
Primary care is the service you receive for your basic, everyday health care needs. Generally, it is your first point of contact with the health care system.