How Often Should I See My PCP?
Routine visits with your primary care physician are designed to help you monitor and track your health. If there are any changes, your physician will be able to catch these and address them. It is always better to prevent an illness from developing than treating a condition you have. This is why it is essential to stay on top of your routine checkups.
Regularly evaluating your health risk factors for a wide scope of medical conditions, screening for cancer and other common diseases, while also assessing your lifestyle habits helps you maintain your health and reduce the risk of chronic or life-threatening diseases.
Listed below is a look into some of the many benefits that come along with annual checkups with your doctor, how often you should see your physician, and how to prepare for an appointment.
How often should adults get a checkup?
The recommendations regarding the frequency of routine checkups are based on your age, risk factors, and current health status.
Your physician may make special requests tailored to your health, but a general rule of thumb for frequency of routine checkups is:
-Once every 3 years for individuals under the age of 50 and in good health
-Once a year once you turn 50
-If you have a chronic disease, like diabetes, MS, or COPD, you should see your doctor more frequently, regardless of your age.
Your doctor may suggest more or less time between your checkups based on your risk factors, screening test results, and current health status. Follow your doctor’s recommendation in order to protect yourself and preserve your health.
What are the benefits of regular checkups?
Routine checkups with your healthcare provider can lead to benefits for your health in many ways. Some of the main health benefits include:
-Identifying potentially life-threatening health issues early before they cause a problem
-Early treatment of health conditions, increasing the odds of a good outcome
-Routine monitoring of existing health issues, in order to lower the risk of worsening symptoms or developing complications
-Staying current on vaccinations and age-appropriate screening tests
-Reducing cost of medical care by limiting extra costs that are associated with treating complicated or serious conditions that aren’t caught early
What should be included in a routine checkup?
During your routine checkup, your physician will review your previous medical history, evaluate your current health, and schedule age-appropriate screening tests.
For men and women, an adult annual checkup should include a review and update of:
-Your medical history
-Your family history, if necessary
-Your medication list and allergies
-Your vaccination and screening test history
Men and women are typically screened for:
-High blood pressure
-Obesity, based on your body mass index
-Tobacco use
-Alcohol and drug misuse
-Depression
-HIV screening for adults ages 15 to 65 and anyone at high risk
-Hepatitis C for anyone born between 1945 and 1965
-Type 2 diabetes for anyone with risk factors or a family history
-Colorectal cancer starting at age 50
-Lung cancer with a yearly low-dose CT scan for adults ages 55 to 80 who currently smoke or have smoked within the last 15 years
The overall health and wellness of our bodies impact every aspect of our lives from how we feel on a daily basis, to how we interact with the world around us, our relationships, and more. The most effective way to preserve our health is by seeking preventive care, instead of waiting until something is wrong to see a doctor. At Healthy Living in Conroe, TX, our team of healthcare providers work with patients to monitor a wide range of functions in the body, in order to catch the earliest warning signs of a potential problem early on. From routine physical exams to lifelong management of chronic conditions, our team of healthcare professionals is here for you. Schedule your annual wellness exam with us today!
Reliable Health Care in Conroe, TX
At Healthy Living Primary Care in Conroe, TX, we understand that when you or someone you love becomes ill, it can quickly interfere with your life. Seeking medical care at the first sign of an illness can help to minimize your symptoms and speed up the healing process. Our dedicated staff of healthcare workers provides wellness checks for patients of all ages. Whether you think you have a common cold, a virus, or an infection of some type, our staff of dedicated healthcare professionals are here to help you. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help you feel great!
Healthy Living Primary Care
600 S. Conroe Medical Dr
Suite 101
Conroe TX 77304
P: 936-234-5400
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https://hlprimarycare.com/services/primary-care-conroe-tx