Your Health Q& A:General Physician (GP) in Clinics

Generally, General Physician(GP) or family practice which commonly termed for doctors who operates or works in private clinics. Malaysia health care system divided into 2 main branches; government and private practice.GP took the responsibility to handle outpatients with various acute and chronic illness in their designed space. However, this varies among the clinics which include specialist service too such as minor surgical procedure, skincare, physiotherapy and many others. People should be wise and choose their favoured GP in a short radius within their home for easy yet quick accessibility.

Why should I choose to go to the hospital rather than clinics?

Preference is out of the question in this decision. Illness and the severity decide if one should approach the clinic or hospital. Acute but non-life-threatening and chronic conditions can be attended in private clinics by GPs. A more serious condition or specific follow up for a diseases demands specialist hand so they may approach a hospital or specialist who resides in the hospital itself. Moreover, there will be certain circumstances where a patient turns up to the private clinic for the most acute condition or specific illness by mistakes but they will be directed to the hospital with a referral promptly.

Can you help to clarify on when should I visit the clinic?

A non-life-threatening acute condition or chronic ailments as listed below:

• muscle pain
• food poisoning
• respiratory tract infections
• skin condition
• ear or eyes infection
• scalp issues
• women's health
• STD(sexually transmitted disease)
• chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and others
• wound dressing
• minor surgical procedures
• medical check-up
• pediatric care

The list may expand more but the listed above are the common illnesses that warrant GP's attention but referral to the hospital will be advised in the events of a serious issue.

What are the common facilities or instruments available in GP clinics?

• ECG machine
• Ear stringing apparatus
• Foreign body instrument
• Hydration set
• Surgical set
• Ultrasound machine

However, there are some clinics that employ other facilities too depending on the demand of the patients such as x-ray, immediate blood analysis and rehabilitation services.

How can I identify the right GP for my continuous healthcare or consultation?

Often visit to the same GP will not give you the clue but rather you should observe the following tricks when communicating with them:

• employ efficient scheduling for patient's consultation
• maximize technology like using ultrasound and skin laser
• show empathy to the patient and attend to their concern seriously
• empower communication and converse in a logical manner
• skilful and knowledgeable

How can we be consistent with our health?

A regular visit to the same GP pertaining to your health wellness via appointments and build a good rapport with your doctor. This enable you and your GP to keep good track of your health.

How much does it cost to pay for GP?

It depends upon your consultation, medications and procedures. The rate varies among GP practice but you may always discuss in the event of doubt. Certain corporates have embodied medical benefits for their employees in clinic where they can use the medical card to receive the consultation, provided their corporates registered with the particular GP.

Do they offer telemedicine especially in the current pandemic?

Yes, not all but certain clinics do opt for this technique. Teleconsultation benefits both GPs and patients, troubles not to miss too! Cost-effectiveness, healthcare savings, continuous consultation and better patient care quality are in the positive pages. However, the negative impacts are an underestimation of real health status, demands smartphones with internet service, access limitations and legislative barriers.

What does the problem that GP poses?

Setting a clinic is not an easy pursuit which urges financial , energy and time to build a clinic plus getting accreditation from the authorities. In addition, more problems arise after establishing them too as recited below:

• competition among other GPs within the same whereabouts
• medications insufficiency or expires even  before supplied to the patients
• overdemand or immoderate expectations from patients
• lack of instruments probably not synchronising  with the budget
• inefficient staffs performance
• the pressure to update services in line with expectations
• spiking cost of utilities and premise cost
• suffering from holding back the ideas of developing the services in view of the budget's shortfall.

Every healthcare providers regardless in government nor private are playing a gloomy scene which is not visible thus constantly face criticism and ill-treatment. Healthcare staffs are undervalued for their commitments despite struggling to preserve the "pillars" of a human called health and well being. Whatever happens, they are well equipped to steadfast their responsibilities and duties have taken. Our heroes are no longer seen unrealistically with sword, suits and gigantic green figure but someone with a stethoscope around the neck, white coats and scrubs.

Teach your children now that doctors, nurses, medical assistants, ambulance drivers and many other health providers are the real HEROES!

Disclaimer: The information given above is from a qualified medical doctor aim to educate public in general regarding the illness but it is advisable to seek medical attention in the event of a serious condition or for proper advice.