House Call Medicine's Benefits Highlighted by Concerns Around Youngsters' Fear of Physicians, says Michael Farzam, M.D., of House Call Doctor Los Angeles
Dr. Farzam comments on a recent article that providing care in a familiar environment can make staying healthy less stressful for people young, old, and in between.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A December 29 article on NPR reported on children who fear going to the doctor, including a survey conducted by researchers in Michigan and released earlier in the year which suggested that a truly significant number of children fear doctors' visits. Dr. Michael Farzam of House Call Doctors Los Angeles says that many people of all ages fear doctor visits, but anxiety can typically be reduced by having a doctor make a house call in the environment where people feel the safest and most comfortable. Standard urgent care clinics and emergency rooms full of ill and injured individuals can create anxiety in even the most mature adult, says Dr. Farzam, adding that stress itself can often make illnesses worse.
At-home visits from doctors on call allows kids and adults to stay in their familiar, home environment and retain a sense of control, says Dr. Farzam. Meeting the doctor on familiar territory, where people have access to pets, family members, and all the trapping of home, can give adults and children alike a sense of safety and security, the board-certified internist says. For children whose anxiety has escalated to the point of screaming and tantrums and for adults with anxiety disorders and other issues, a one-on-one connection to a doctor in the home can be a step in transforming the dynamics of the doctor-patient experience, he notes.
Dr. Farzam says that people of all ages who may have suffered a negative episode with a healthcare provider can be especially prone to medical phobias. The serious potential problem that can arise with this type of anxiety is the potential for skipping important check-ups and vaccines, greatly increasing the risk of long-term illness and mortality due to a serious illness, the doctor says.
For younger children, Dr. Farzam says, learning to work with a doctor is an important life skill. Children, as well as adults, need to be empowered, to ask questions and talk about any symptoms they may have and make sure they understand how to care for themselves. The doctor says that the kind of personal care he provides can be a major plus in this area. Most physicians spend less than ten minutes with an individual patient, says Dr. Farzam, but an average house call is 45 minutes. He adds that the longer span allows patients to better connect to the doctor, ask all of their most important questions, and thoroughly understand their health situation.
Readers who are interested in more information about concierge and mobile medicine may contact House Call Doctor Los Angeles today at (310) 849-7991 or visit his website at https://www.housecalldoctorla.com/.
SOURCE House Call Doctor Los Angeles
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