The family physician's continuing responsibility is not limited by the patient's age, sex, or medical condition. The new Family Physician must afterward pass a rigorous examination given by the American Board of Family Practice in order to become certified in Family Practice. He or she evaluates the patient's total health needs, and provides care within one or more fields of medicine. The Family Physician thus preserves the continuity of care and acts as a coordinator for the patient's total medical course. Family Physicians are required to keep current with important developments in medicine.
Cost is a great concern to most health care consumers.
They are knowledgeable about community support systems and are trained to coordinate these for optimum effectiveness.