What Medical Care Is Available for Families?

Medical care is available for families of all income levels, and many medical care facilities offer discounts for families who are unable to afford care. Medical care is also available for families who do not have health insurance. Learn more about the type of care available to people of all ages on this page.

Primary Care

There are a variety of medical care options available for families, depending on their needs and location. Primary care is a general term for the type of care that is provided by family doctors, pediatricians, and other health care professionals who specialize in caring for people of all ages. Family doctors can provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common illnesses, and refer patients to specialists as needed.

Pediatricians specialize in care for infants, children, and adolescents, and often have offices in convenient locations, such as near schools and shopping areas. They can provide routine checkups, immunizations, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. Pediatricians can also refer patients to specialists if needed.

There are also a number of walk-in clinics and urgent care centers located throughout most communities. These clinics can provide treatment for a variety of minor illnesses and injuries, and many have on-site labs and pharmacies. Urgent care centers are open late nights and on weekends, making them a convenient option for families with busy schedules.

For more serious medical needs, families can access hospital care through the emergency room or by being admitted as inpatients. In most cases, hospitals will have a pediatric ward or unit to provide specialized care for children. Families who require long-term care or treatment for a chronic illness may need to travel to a children’s hospital, which is a hospital that specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Nurse practitioners are often the first and only health care providers that families see. They provide primary care for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They can diagnose and treat many common illnesses and injuries, and they can also provide preventive care. Learn more about online family NP programs if you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner.

Labor and Delivery Services

There are a variety of medical care options available for families during labor and delivery. Some families may choose to have a traditional hospital birth, while others may choose to have a home birth or delivery in a birthing center.

Families who choose to have a traditional hospital birth will have access to a wide range of medical care and support services. Hospital staff will monitor the mother and baby during labor and delivery, and will be available to provide medical care and support if needed. Hospital births are typically safe and comfortable, and offer families the peace of mind that comes with knowing that medical professionals are available if needed.

Families who choose to have a delivery in a birthing center will have access to midwives and doulas who will provide care and support during labor and delivery. Birthing centers are also safe and comfortable, and offer families the opportunity to have a more natural birth experience. Birthing centers may not be an option for families who have a high-risk pregnancy, or who live in a remote area without access to medical care.

Emergency Room Care

Medical care is available for families though their local emergency room. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, both minor and major. If a family has a medical emergency, they can go to the emergency room and receive the care they need. The Family Health Center in Staten Island, NY provides comprehensive medical care for families.

Lab Tests and Other Preventive Services

Laboratory tests are an important part of diagnosing and treating medical conditions. The tests that are available to families depend on the type of health insurance that they have. Some health insurance plans cover diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and x-rays, when they are medically necessary. Other health insurance plans do not cover diagnostic tests, but may cover preventive screenings, such as cancer screenings.

Most health insurance plans cover preventive services, such as routine check-ups and immunizations, at no cost to the patient. Families should check with their health insurance company to find out which services are covered. Some health insurance plans also cover prescription drugs. Families should check with their health insurance company to find out which prescription drugs are covered.

These are just a few of the medical care options that families can utilize.