Yes! Not only can you bring your entire family to the same primary care provider (PCP), but at Core Medicine Idaho in Caldwell, it’s something we actively encourage. Here’s what you should know about our Family Medicine practice and the benefits of having one trusted primary doctor to coordinate your whole family’s care.
What a Primary Care Provider Can Do for Your Family
Family medicine practitioners are PCPs trained to care for patients of all ages, through all stages of life, from birth until death. We're there for you in sickness and health: treating you when you’re ill, providing preventive care to support your overall health and well-being, helping you manage chronic conditions, and assisting you in navigating the complexities of the health care system. We also provide:
- Immunizations
- Mental health care
- Support for social issues
- Women’s health services, including contraception and prenatal and obstetrical care
- Pediatric care, including well-child checkups
- Employment and sports-related physicals
- STD testing
- Specialist referrals as needed
- Onsite pharmacy services
- In-house lab testing, ultrasound, and imaging diagnostics
Have questions about our Family Medicine services? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
We Provide “Old-Fashioned” Family Medicine That Utilizes Modern Equipment and the Latest Evidence-Based Interventions
In the past, the “family doctor” health care model, where members of the same family saw one primary provider who knew them, their medical history, lifestyle, and family background well, was more than just common—it was the standard. This approach allowed for better continuity of care, more personalized treatment plans and, ultimately, improved outcomes.
However, with the rise of large health care systems, the focus has shifted to profit and efficiency, rather than patient care and satisfaction. Not only do members of the same family typically see different primary care providers, but it’s not uncommon for patients to see different PCPs at each visit.
This health care model leads to fractured, impersonal care that can increase the risk for missed diagnoses, medical errors, medication interactions, and poorer health outcomes. It can also shake patients’ confidence in doctors and the health care system.
At Core Medicine of Idaho, we’re restoring the family medicine care model and, hopefully, your faith in medicine in the process.
The Benefits of Having One PCP Coordinate Your Family’s Care
When you see a Family Medicine PCP at Core Medicine of Idaho, we work to develop a positive and respectful provider-patient relationship with each member of your family. Over time, we’ll get to know you, gaining a deep and thorough understanding of your family medical history, social situation, and lifestyle. This allows us to assess your risks for serious illnesses and recommend health screenings and lifestyle changes accordingly. It also ensures that we’re aware of any food, environmental, or medication allergies that run in the family, which can affect what you’re prescribed.
Additionally, if your family’s experienced trauma, a single PCP can better understand the context of what you’ve gone through and use this information to ensure you all receive the holistic and compassionate trauma-informed care you deserve.
When and How Often Your Family Should See a Family Medicine Clinic
For our pediatric patients, we recommend annual checkups for kids ages five and up, and even more frequent visits for younger children. If you’re younger than 30 and healthy, with no significant health risks, you can see us every two to three years. Between ages 30 and 40, see us for an annual physical and various health screenings. After age 50, visit your PCP at least once a year and more frequently as necessary.
However, if you have a chronic health condition, regularly take medication, or have an increased risk for serious illness due to your family medical history, more frequent appointments with your PCP may be needed to keep your health on track.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Caldwell Family Medicine Clinic
Ready to experience the difference compassionate and personalized primary care can make? Complete the contact form or call 208-508-0345 to schedule an appointment.