Your primary care physician (PCP) should become a major part of your medical life. Specifically, they should help you safeguard your health and help treat any health issues you may have.
However, what exactly is it that they can help you with? Additionally, when should you see them? Here are a few examples of when you should make a call to your PCP and how they can help.
When you are unwell
If you have any kind of illness that has been lingering for longer than usual, then your PCP is the person for the job.
Whether they are able to offer peace of mind, provide treatment, or identify patterns that could lead to a larger problem, there is always a good reason to make sure that your PCP is part of the conversation.
If nothing else, keeping a comprehensive medical record is always worthwhile. For chronic conditions, such as heart disease, depression, and diabetes, your PCP can play a constant role in supporting and treating you.
When it is time for your physical
No matter your age, having an annual physical is always a good idea.
Checking things like your cholesterol and blood pressure can help get a good picture of your health. This will allow both you and your PCP to act quickly on any warning signs.
Additionally, you can review health changes to ensure that you are doing everything possible to take good care of yourself.
The vital routine checks
While it may seem like it, an annual physical does not necessarily cover all of the routine checks you need to be healthy.
This can include things like checking for colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, as well as diabetes, osteoporosis, and other conditions that can affect a lot of people.
Depending on your age and other risk factors, such as your family history, your PCP may recommend a range of routine checks that they can provide for your peace of mind.
Getting your vaccinations
Whether you are traveling, getting ready for the school season, or need a vaccine for a new bug that is passing around, your PCP can help you get the immunity you need to protect yourself.
Seeking referrals to a specialist
There may be some cases where specialist treatment and knowledge are required to give you the best quality of treatment.
When that happens, you should still talk to your PCP. Specifically, they are likely to have contacts with trusted and proven specialists that can offer the help that you need.
Moreover, it would be best to keep your PCP in the loop with any treatment you get from outside their practice so they can keep your records up to date.
If you need medical intervention or are seeking some form of treatment, your primary care physician should be involved. Even if they are only referring you to a specialist, you want them to keep comprehensive health recors on your behalf.
If you need a PCP to help guide you towards a healthier lifestyle, PCP For Life can help. To learn more about what we can do to help or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 281-370-7272.
