What is Family Medicine?

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With more and more Baby Boomers entering retirement age, and with the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, there is an increased need for healthcare workers. Trying to get in to see a family medicine specialist is becoming increasingly difficult for many. Often, appointments need to be made several days and even weeks in advance. And those looking for a general practitioner often find that they have a full caseload and no longer accepting new patients. With all that is happening around us, it is more important than ever to stay on top of your health, and getting in to see your physician for a checkup, or to check on health issues is crucial. We have all heard from the CDC that COVID-19, is most serious for those that have underlying health conditions.

Those that live in the Huntsville and Athens area are in luck because doctors like Dr. Francene Gayle are currently practicing in the area and are taking on new patients. If you are in the area and are in need of a family medical practitioner, doctors are always available to see new patients and make sure they are healthy and fit.

What is a Family Medicine Specialist?

Family medicine specialists go by a variety of names like family practitioner, family doctor, or general practitioner. They all do about the same thing. They all practice general medicine that includes comprehensive general health care for people from toddlers to those in their golden years. 

According to Family Care Network, a family medicine specialist typically has an ongoing relationship with the patient because they concentrate on provided integrated care. They have the education and skills to serve the entire person, unlike physicians that focus on a particular area of the healthcare field, such as those that specialize in cancer treatment, or serious illnesses.

They provide the following:

• Health screenings
• Weight loss advice/nutrition counseling
• Care for depression
• Sports and school physicals
• Treat those with colds and flu
• Treat allergies
• Treat those with arthritis
• Immunizations/vaccines
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Breast exams/pap tests

General practitioners provide optimal care for the entire individual. It is estimated by Family Care Network, those family medicine specialists proved between 80% and 90% of medical treatments to the patients they care for. 

When the family physician has a patient that needs more comprehensive medical treatment from a specialist, the physician can review their network and provide a referral to their patients that need specialized care.

Care, Knowledge, and Dedication

Dr. Francene Gayle, MD received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, where she graduated with honors, in 2002. She has been building her practice for over 19 years. She practices at You Choose Home Health, at several different locations, making it easy for her patients to visit her. She is also affiliated with Athens Limestone Hospital.

Those looking for a primary care physician taking on new patients should contact doctors with similar credentials, to schedule a checkup. They will provide the highest quality of care.