Despite Chestermere’s explosive growth, it’s often a task to find a family doctor, says the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network (CRPCN).
However, with 12 plus family doctors accepting patients, the residents of Chestermere, Langdon and area are finding a family doctor easier than before, it adds.
Over the past 11 years the Calgary Rural PCN has worked with government and communities to increase access to primary care family doctors, and more family doctors.
“With more physicians available, we feel everyone should be attached to a family doctor,” says Dr. Alison Clarke, medical director of the Calgary Rural PCN.
“We hear too often of patients visiting the emergency room or urgent care instead of accessing their own family doctor for primary care needs. The first call should always be to your family doctor`s office for non-urgent primary care issues. People may be surprised to know that their family doctor’s office has same day or next day appointments available.
“In addition, follow-up and a physician’s understanding of the patient’s full medical history are always best done through their family doctor, not another physician,” Dr. Clarke says. “If you are unsure where to go for help, you can also phone Health LINK a free 24/7 telephone nurse advice and general health information line at 811”, Dr. Clarke.
According to the CRPCN, research shows people who regularly visit their family doctor stay healthier throughout their life. In addition, they receive more chronic disease care, make fewer visits to the emergency room and are hospitalized less.
To find a family doctor who is accepting patients in one of their member clinics visit crpcn.ca or calgaryareadocs.com.
