It’s common knowledge among most people that you should have a primary care doctor. Whether you have a chronic condition that requires frequent visits to primary care practices, or you just remember your parents telling you it’s important to have a primary care doctor, you’ve likely visited a health care professional for a check-up.
Primary care providers are important in keeping patients healthy and providing them with the resources to manage their health. However, many don’t know how valuable primary care doctors can be. You may see visiting the doctor’s office as a chore rather than a helpful resource. When you find the right doctor, you can come to them with any questions or concerns and trust them with your health care needs.
At 3P4Care Avondale, we support our patients’ good health and wellbeing. Preventative care and regular checkups are one of the most effective ways to do that.
For those trying to get the most out of their patient-doctor relationship, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve outlined the top seven things you should ask your primary care provider to get the most out of your healthcare services.
7 Things You Need to Ask Your Primary Care Doctor
#1 What wellness tests do I need?
Your local primary care doctors are not only concerned with treating illnesses but also with helping you lead a healthier lifestyle. They may recommend tests or referrals based on your family history and previous medical examinations to screen for:
- diabetes
- abnormal cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- sexually transmitted infections
- cervical cancer
- colon cancer
If you have a higher risk of developing a certain disease, particularly if it is hereditary, our primary care doctors can assist you in minimising the chances of getting it.
#2 How can I eat a more nutritious diet?
We understand that we all have room for improvement when selecting what food we eat. But it’s easy to fall for fad diets only to find ourselves back at square one.
Primary care doctors have extensive training and can help you make healthier choices. Just ask them to help you create a personalised eating plan or to provide pointers for staying on track.
#3 What exercise would suit me best?
Exercise is healthy but seeing as we all have different bodies your doctor can advise which form of exercise would best suit your body type. This is especially true if you have health issues or previous injuries.
Remember, you don’t have to become an athlete overnight. Even moderate amounts of exercise can significantly contribute to combating diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
#4 How frequently should I schedule appointments?
The frequency of your appointments depends on your overall health, laboratory test results, and status of chronic conditions. For example, you may need to see the doctor every three months if you have multiple chronic conditions. You may need more frequent blood sugar tests if you have prediabetes. However, if your laboratory results are favourable, visiting once or twice a year may suffice.
The key is to tailor the appointment schedule to your specific needs.
#5 What are my chances of developing heart disease?
The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. Unfortunately, many people with heart disease don’t realise they have it until they suffer a heart attack. This underscores the importance of assessing your risk for heart disease, particularly if it runs in your family.
#6 What are my blood sugar levels?
Are you experiencing increased thirst or frequent trips to the bathroom? These symptoms could indicate diabetes. Many Americans have diabetes without realising it. New technology enables doctors to check for diabetes and prediabetes without fasting.
If your numbers are high, your doctor can provide dietary guidelines or prescribe medication to help prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
#7 Can you explain my test results?
The abbreviations and terms used in test results can be confusing. HDL, LDL, and A1C are just a few examples. Speak with your doctor, who will guide you through each aspect of the results.
#8 What are the biggest health concerns for someone my age?
Primary care doctors are uniquely positioned to provide patients with information about how to prevent or reduce their risk for certain diseases. For these reasons, primary care providers play an integral role in promoting the health and well-being of their patients.
Asking your family doctor about the biggest health concerns for someone your age is a good way to get started on protecting your health. Primary care practitioners may be concerned about different medical conditions depending on various factors—such as your family history, lifestyle, and general health.
Your doctor can inform you about your age group’s most common health concerns and what you can do to reduce your risk. Additionally, primary care doctors can help you identify early warning signs of serious medical conditions and refer you to specialists if necessary. Ultimately, by asking your doctor about the biggest health concerns for someone your age, you can take an important step towards protecting your health and ensuring you receive the best possible medical care.
Primary Care Health Services Available in Chicago, IL
Don’t have a primary care doctor? Not to worry. We have established a compassionate and experienced team of healthcare professionals ready to serve you.
Simply reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
