Posted February 04, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
Regular appointments and building a strong relationship with your primary care provider are important steps toward a healthy — and perhaps, longer — life. Think of your primary care provider, or PCP, as your partner in becoming your healthiest self.
Good communication is one way to build a strong relationship with your PCP. Coming prepared with a list of your top questions and concerns is important to ensure you make the most of your next checkup.
SummaCare offers 5 simple, yet vital questions you should add to your list the next time you meet with your PCP to maximize every minute with him.
Screening tests, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, are vital to catch cancer or other diseases at an early stage. In most cases, an early diagnosis makes these serious conditions easier to treat.
Your doctor may recommend any number of important preventative tests, based on your age, gender, family history and lifestyle.
In addition, ask about any immunizations or boosters that you need to stay protected against serious diseases. Your age and health can play a role in which vaccines are recommended for you.
If you’ve been prescribed long-term treatments, ask your doctor about the latest trends and developments to make sure you’re still receiving the best treatment available. Improved and sometimes less invasive surgical techniques, medical procedures and drugs are constantly being developed, so it’s a good idea to ask, “What’s new?”
In addition, be sure to bring a list of all your current prescription and over-the-counter medications to discuss with your doctor to assist in determining which are all still necessary.
If your current medications aren’t controlling your symptoms or if you are having side effects, talk to your PCP about changes to your current treatment plan. More importantly, be sure you ask about side effects, risks and benefits before you start any new medication.
If something is bothering you, it’s best to bring it up before it becomes too serious. Your PCP’s job is to focus on your vitals, such as weight, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, to assess your health, but your visit is the best time to discuss any new concerns you may have.
If you’re experiencing pain, trouble sleeping, stress, or other physical or mental ailments, be sure to share with your PCP. These issues may point to a condition that needs to be addressed. Additionally, your provider can offer solutions to help you feel better.
Your doctor’s office should be a safe place to talk openly and ask questions about how your lifestyle is affecting your health.
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among men and women, yet it’s one of the most preventable conditions. Simply sticking to a healthy diet and exercise program can help improve or even reverse many health issues.
If you’re struggling with weight, high blood pressure or cholesterol, your PCP can offer tips to adjust your lifestyle to bring your numbers down and help you lead a healthier life.
In addition, if you’re considering taking vitamins or supplements, be sure to discuss that with your PCP first. He can offer advice and let you know if the vitamins could interact with any current medications you’re taking.
As your partner in health, your PCP can help you set goals on what you need to be doing in between appointments, including healthier eating, regular exercise, getting more sleep or quitting smoking.
Taking guidance from your PCP on how to be proactive in your health in between appointments can help reduce the number of doctor visits and even prevent certain conditions from developing or getting worse.
There’s no time like the present to begin building a strong and healthy relationship with your PCP. Studies show it can help you live a healthier, happier, and longer life. Remember, good communication with your provider is the key!
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