If you're someone interested in keeping up with healthcare
discussions in America, you've probably heard the term "personalized
healthcare" thrown about quite a lot. What is this term and why is it
suddenly so popular? Unlike a lot of terms in the industry, which tend
to say little while sounding very important, any medical clinic that
wants to provide the best service possible to their patients should be
invested in the concept of personalized healthcare. The same goes for
patients who want to find a place to go when sick or well. Here's what
you should know about this important principle.
Your Family History
It's a common complaint. Endless forms you have to fill out when you visit the doctor or a medical clinic. While it's true that some have this process more streamlined than others (what's more frustrating than giving out the same information multiple times?), the family history background is essential to the concept of personalized healthcare. Many health conditions are genetic in nature and a doctor can learn a lot about a patient just by knowing the issues her parents and grandparents have dealt with. If you are in the dark about this information, ask about it the next time you're on the phone with your parents; the information could be vital to your health.
New Science
While doctors have always been able to predict and prepare for certain health conditions by knowing intimate details about a patient's health history, personalized healthcare is about taking a big step into the future. A medical clinic may be able to use pharmacogenetics, a methodology that uses an individual's DNA to closely prescribe medications, dosages, and help them avoid side effects that could be dangerous. There are even genetics tests that can help you know your risk factors for certain diseases. If you knew you were at higher risk for heart disease based on a few lines of code, you could better prevent it through lifestyle changes.
Primary Care
More and more, people are eschewing the need for a primary care physician. Most in the healthcare spectrum see this as an alarming trend. Instead of getting preventative checkups, people are waiting until there is a problem to see their doctor. While taking advantage of a medical clinic when you have a cold is a good idea, you shouldn't rely on a walk in facility for all of your healthcare needs. Only a regular, primary care physician can give you the personalized healthcare you need to stay well.
Your Family History
It's a common complaint. Endless forms you have to fill out when you visit the doctor or a medical clinic. While it's true that some have this process more streamlined than others (what's more frustrating than giving out the same information multiple times?), the family history background is essential to the concept of personalized healthcare. Many health conditions are genetic in nature and a doctor can learn a lot about a patient just by knowing the issues her parents and grandparents have dealt with. If you are in the dark about this information, ask about it the next time you're on the phone with your parents; the information could be vital to your health.
New Science
While doctors have always been able to predict and prepare for certain health conditions by knowing intimate details about a patient's health history, personalized healthcare is about taking a big step into the future. A medical clinic may be able to use pharmacogenetics, a methodology that uses an individual's DNA to closely prescribe medications, dosages, and help them avoid side effects that could be dangerous. There are even genetics tests that can help you know your risk factors for certain diseases. If you knew you were at higher risk for heart disease based on a few lines of code, you could better prevent it through lifestyle changes.
Primary Care
More and more, people are eschewing the need for a primary care physician. Most in the healthcare spectrum see this as an alarming trend. Instead of getting preventative checkups, people are waiting until there is a problem to see their doctor. While taking advantage of a medical clinic when you have a cold is a good idea, you shouldn't rely on a walk in facility for all of your healthcare needs. Only a regular, primary care physician can give you the personalized healthcare you need to stay well.
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