ON BEHALF OF MEDICAL GROUP OF THE CAROLINAS—MOUNTAIN PARK
The National Institute of Health has proved that patients with a primary care physician have lower healthcare costs, better management of chronic diseases and high levels of satisfaction with their care.
Needless to say, establishing a relationship with a primary care physician is beneficial for adult health and wellness. Medical Group of the Carolinas—Mountain Park introduces a new physician, Todd Fennell, MD, an internal medicine physician.
Dr. Fennell is a member of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the South Carolina Medical Association. He is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Fennell received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. He completed his residency at Greenville Health System in Greenville, SC and has a special interest in Diabetes Management.
“I have been practicing medicine in the Upstate since 2005,” Dr. Fennell said. “I am excited to provide care for the Mountain Park community. I want to help the community with prevention of any chronicle medical issues, and if they develop these issues, assist them through the disease process.”
What does a primary care physician do?
Primary care physicians are defined as:
- Family medicine doctors who provide care for individuals across their life span, from childhood to adulthood.
- Board-certified internists who provide care for adults of all ages, for many different medical problems.
- Pediatricians, whose scope of practice include newborns, infants, children and adolescents.
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who consult with physicians.
The skill-set of primary care physicians is extraordinarily vast as they can provide care for a wide variety of conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and others. With a primary care physician in your corner, you have a close relationship with someone who knows your personal and family history and someone to turn to for advice on which tests you need and when to have them.
Having a primary care physician can also keep you healthier as you grow older; meaning that the chances are very good that you will be able to live life to its fullest. Studies in numerous medical journals have confirmed this, including one in International Journal of Health Services, which reveals that “states with more primary care physicians per capita have better health outcomes, including fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease or stroke.”
If you do not already have a primary care physician, here are a few things to consider when selecting one:
- Is the office staff friendly, helpful and responsive?
- Are the office hours convenient to your schedule?
- How easy is it to reach the provider? Does the provider use email?
- Do you prefer a provider whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal?
- Does the provider have a conservative or aggressive approach to treatment?
- What do colleagues and patients say about the provider?
- Does the provider invite you to be involved in your care? Does the provider view your patient-doctor relationship as a true partnership?
When you have a physician you know and trust, you feel comfortable talking about anything. And, all your basic care—including routine exams, preventive care and treatment for illnesses or injuries—go more smoothly and easily.
To set up a preventive medicine plan or establish a relationship with a primary care physician, schedule an appointment at Medical Group of the Carolinas—Mountain Park by calling 864-849-9210. The practice is located off of Cherokee Foothills scenic highway 11 at the Mountain Park Village.
