Can Family Medicine Oversee Multiple Health Issues and Tests?

Q: Can Family Medicine Oversee Multiple Health Issues and Tests?

Hello, Fange： 1. All are benign tumors (there are several adenomas in the breast, a hemangioma in the liver, and a cyst in the ovary). 2. This is not my area of expertise; please consult a specialist. (There is a tumor in the spine, and there are lymph nod

Is it possible to schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician for follow-up examinations?

Is there a relationship between RBC 3-5+ and light blood? For the past two years, my urine RBC count has been elevated (I have avoided testing during my menstrual period), but the immunologist did not mention anything specific and just advised me to undergo further examinations.
I have several adenomas in my breasts, a hemangioma in my liver, a cyst in my ovaries, a tumor in my spine, and lymph nodes in my neck and groin that vary in size.
I have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and it's uncertain whether there is involvement in the spine; the doctor mentioned that X-rays and ultrasounds do not show much.
These findings were discovered during a self-paid CT scan after previous surgeries.
Can I see a family medicine physician for comprehensive follow-up examinations regarding these multiple tumors? The doctors have suggested follow-ups every six months to a year, and managing so many specialists is quite overwhelming.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
:)

fange, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/27

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine

Hello, Fange:
1.
All are benign tumors (there are several adenomas in the breast, a hemangioma in the liver, and a cyst in the ovary).

2.
This is not my area of expertise; please consult a specialist.
(There is a tumor in the spine, and there are lymph nodes in the neck and groin that vary in size; I have ankylosing spondylitis, so I'm uncertain about the spine.)
3.
Is it possible to see a family medicine physician for follow-up examinations regarding multiple tumors?

Reply Date: 2022/01/27

More Info

Family medicine is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families, addressing a wide range of health issues and coordinating care across multiple specialties. Family medicine practitioners are trained to manage chronic conditions, acute illnesses, preventive care, and health education. They can oversee multiple health issues and tests, making them a valuable resource for patients with complex medical histories.

In your case, with multiple health concerns including elevated RBC levels in your urine, breast adenomas, a hepatic hemangioma, an ovarian cyst, spinal tumors, and fluctuating lymph nodes, it is indeed appropriate to consult a family medicine physician. They can help coordinate your care, ensuring that all your health issues are monitored and managed effectively. Family physicians can also facilitate referrals to specialists when necessary, ensuring that you receive comprehensive care without the burden of managing multiple appointments across different specialties.

Regarding your specific question about RBC levels in your urine, the presence of 3-5 RBCs per high power field (HPF) can indicate hematuria, which may have various causes. It is crucial to investigate the underlying reasons for elevated RBC levels, especially since you have a complex medical history. Hematuria can result from urinary tract infections, kidney stones, trauma, or more serious conditions such as tumors in the urinary tract. Given your history of tumors and other health issues, it would be wise to follow up on this finding with your healthcare provider.

The fact that your immunologist did not express immediate concern may suggest that they did not find the hematuria alarming in the context of your overall health. However, it is essential to keep track of these findings and discuss them with your family physician, who can help determine if further testing or monitoring is necessary.

As for the various tumors and cysts you mentioned, it is not uncommon for patients with complex medical histories to have multiple benign or malignant growths. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare providers are essential to monitor these conditions. Your family physician can help coordinate these appointments and ensure that you are receiving appropriate screenings and tests, such as imaging studies or blood tests, as recommended by your specialists.

In summary, a family medicine physician can effectively oversee your multiple health issues and coordinate care among various specialists. They can help simplify your healthcare journey, ensuring that all aspects of your health are addressed. It is essential to maintain open communication with your family physician about your concerns, test results, and any new symptoms you may experience. This collaborative approach will help you manage your health more effectively and alleviate some of the stress associated with navigating multiple medical conditions.

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