AAFP defines a family physician as, "a physician who is educated and trained in family medicine--a broadly encompassing medical specialty."
Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills, and knowledge which qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance and preventive services to each member of the family regardless of sex, age, or type of problem, be it biological, behavioral, or social. These specialists, because of their background and interactions with the family, are best qualified to serve as each patient's advocate in all health-related matters, including the appropriate use of consultants, health services, and community resources.
Family physicians provide a medical home for patients, requiring extensive training in a broad array of services. The path to a medical home should be accessible and free from political roadblocks for those who choose care from a family physician. However, family physicians face encroachment on their scope of practice by those wishing exclusive domain over certain services. The below resources are provided to help family physicians and chapter staff develop solutions with policymakers that allow family physicians to work with other specialties and health professionals, yet protect the unique and important scope of family medicine.
Family Physicians Scope of Practice
Providing Charity Care: A Primer on Liability Risk
-- (Family Practice Management: January 2003)
Understanding the Physician Liability Insurance Crisis
-- (Family Practice Management: October 2002)
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