5 Reasons to see your primary care provider early in the year

1/19/2018

Make 2018 your healthiest year yet!

5 Reasons to see your primary care provider early in the year

Why should you see a provider when you are healthy? Regular checkups are a good opportunity for you to catch up with your doctor. These visits are good opportunities to make sure you are getting the vaccinations, screenings, and advice you need to keep you healthy throughout the year. Below are 5 reasons to see a primary care provider and make your health a priority in 2018.

Track your health over time – Routine visits with your primary care provider will help you build on your health history. Documented health history as well as your family health history is helpful for prevention and detection of diseases.

Manage chronic diseases – A primary care doctor can help you stay organized with your treatment plan and aware of how your chronic disease is affecting your body. Chronic health conditions like diabetes and arthritis can be difficult to monitor by yourself. Schedule regular visits with your primary care provider to help you maintain your health and wellness.

Discuss screenings – Are you unsure: Do I need a mammogram? A Colorectal cancer screening? A Pap test? Undergoing testing on a regular basis can help spot symptoms before it gets worse or leads to health issues.

Ask common questions – Regular wellness visits promote communication with your provider. Communicating your health questions, needs and concerns are crucial to help your doctor to address your health appropriately. If you have any specific 2018 goals – like quitting smoking, losing weight or lowering your cholesterol – ask your provider for help and recommendations.

Schedule your appointments – Do you need a referral to a specialist? Or to schedule your screenings? At your appointment with your primary care doctor, they can make helpful recommendations for specialists and complete all necessary referrals. If you need any follow-up tests, appointments or screenings, schedule them before you leave the office.

Call your primary care provider today to make an appointment. If you don’t have a primary care provider, visit http://www.christieclinic.com/provider/ to find a new provider for the new year.