More and more people have family doctors. A family doctor is the closest doctor you can consult immediately when you are sick or worried about your health. It refers to local clinics, clinics, and general hospitals that provide general treatment.

The government and the Japan Medical Association define a family doctor as follows.
"A doctor who can consult on anything related to health, is familiar with the latest medical information, can refer specialists and specialized medical institutions when necessary, and has the comprehensive ability to take care of community medicine, health, and welfare that is familiar and reliable."

In other words, it is required to have the comprehensive ability to not only treat diseases, but also to be responsible for the health and welfare of the community.
Especially in the case of elderly patients, the presence of a family doctor rooted in the community is very important because the cooperation between medical care and nursing care is essential.

1.Feel free to consult about illness and health problems
Family doctors strive to have general knowledge of diseases and symptoms, so they can consult with you about a variety of health issues, regardless of their specialty.
For example, they will also consult with you about worries about future stomach wax and life-prolonging procedures.

2.Get an accurate diagnosis
We continue to provide medical treatment based on the patient's physical and mental condition, medical history, lifestyle habits, etc., so if there is any abnormality, you can expect to respond quickly.
In some cases, tests that require an appointment at large hospitals can be done immediately.
They are also more likely to notice early symptoms of dementia that family members who live far away often miss.

3.Smooth collaboration with advanced medical institutions
If it is determined that specialized treatment is needed, they will connect you to the appropriate medical institution along with a referral letter.
It will be easier for patients and families to connect to the right medical institution efficiently than to look for a hospital.
In addition, the diagnosis results and treatment details from the specialist are also fed back to the family doctor.

4.Write a "doctor's opinion" and instructions
They will write the "attending physician's opinion" necessary when applying for long-term care certification.
If you do not have a family doctor, you must see a doctor designated by the mayor of the city. In that case, you will be worried about whether you will write an accurate opinion in just one consultation.
In addition, even after the start of nursing care, they will prepare opinions and instructions as needed.

5.Work with the care manager
Family physicians work with care managers and community comprehensive support centers. Then, medical information is reflected in the care plan, and nursing care information is reflected in the writing of opinions and treatment plans.
In addition, the care manager may request the disclosure of the attending physician's opinion from the municipality with the consent of the user and the family doctor.

6.It will lead to home care
If your family doctor is providing home medical care, he will be in charge of your care.
Even if you are a doctor who is not involved in care, I think that you will be able to consider it with the care manager and people in the home care service according to the consultation at the end of life that will eventually come, and connect you to a care team centered on visiting doctors.

7.Write a death certificate
When you die at home, your family doctor will write a death certificate if there is nothing suspicious. If there is no doctor to write, the police will be called for an autopsy.