We get it. Life is busy. And it’s easy to let some important things slide, like regularly seeing your doctor. That might not seem like a big deal, especially if you’re feeling well.
But skipping these appointments isn’t good for your health.
“To stay healthy, it’s essential to see a primary care physician,” said Walter Beaver, MD, interim chief physician executive at American Health Network, part of Optum, in Indianapolis. This type of doctor monitors your overall health. They help you create good-for-you habits, and they can spot health problems before symptoms crop up.
Seeing a primary care doctor is linked to better health and lower healthcare costs. However, the number of adults who visit this type of doctor is dropping — about half of people say they haven’t visited a primary care doctor at all.1
Why are people avoiding regular checkups? There are always some people who refuse to see a doctor but that’s not the only reason, said Dr. Beaver. “For example, many people ‘self-refer’ to specialists instead of seeing a primary care physician,” he continued. However, primary care doctors may be able to treat various problems themselves or connect you with a qualified specialist.
Another issue? Some people may simply go to an urgent care center when they are sick. While these centers serve an important role, they’re not a substitute for the long-term relationship you’d have with a primary care doctor. “The job of doctors who work at urgent care centers is to treat your issue and then move on,” explained Dr. Beaver.
Why you need a primary care doctor
Has it been a long time since you’ve seen your primary care doctor (if you have one)? Here are just some of the benefits of making an appointment today.
1. Frequent visits can monitor your health and catch issues earlier
When it comes to maintaining good health, prevention is the best medicine. Regular checkups can help you and your doctor monitor your overall health to help catch potential issues and address them early on. Seeing your doctor frequently also helps you establish a good relationship.
So, how often should you go to the doctor? Your doctor may recommend an individualized schedule based on factors such as your health status, risk factors, and screening test results. This will vary from person to person. Your doctor may want to see you once every few months, once a year, or once every few years.2
Why? Many common problems don’t cause immediate symptoms. Two examples are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. “These are issues that eat away at your health over time,” said Dr. Beaver. They can lead to serious consequences, such as a heart attack or stroke.
The sooner you know that something is wrong, the better. Early treatment can help you manage the problem.
Another benefit? Your doctor will help make sure you get cancer screenings. Plus, research shows that people with a primary care doctor were more likely to get regular preventive care and fill their prescriptions.3
2. You could spend less money on healthcare over time
Catching health problems early on can translate to lower healthcare costs over time.
For example, if your doctor finds that you have high blood pressure, they will help you learn to manage it. That may be with some lifestyle changes, medication, or both. Staying on top of any health problems you may have now can help prevent more serious issues down the line. That could mean fewer medicines, doctor visits, and expensive procedures, which equals less out-of-pocket costs for you.4
3. You’ll learn good habits
Maintaining health means following healthy lifestyle habits. That includes:5
- Eating well-balanced meals
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
These habits may sound simple, but sticking to them isn’t always easy. Plus, there’s a lot of unreliable advice out there. But you can count on the information and tips your doctor provides. Your doctor will also tailor their advice to your health. For instance, if you have high cholesterol, they might suggest that you follow a heart-healthy eating plan and help you understand exactly what that means.
4. You’ll understand your risk factors
There are clear steps you can take to help prevent health problems such as heart disease and certain cancers. But there are some things you can’t control, such as genetics. Sharing your family’s health history with your doctor is a must. They’ll use that information to determine when and how often you should get certain health screenings. And if certain diseases run in your family, your doctor will suggest ways to help lower your risk.6
5. Primary care doctors can spot and treat mental health issues
If you see your doctor regularly, they will get to know you. That can make it easier for them to notice how you’re doing, both physically and emotionally.
“Often, I can tell the minute I walk into the room that a patient is having problems, simply by their body language,” said Dr. Beaver. “That’s because I know how they normally look and behave.”
In fact, research shows that primary care doctors are adept at caring for and treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.7
6. Primary care doctors can refer you to qualified specialists when needed
When you have a good rapport with your doctor, and you need to see a specialist, they can help connect you with exactly the type of professional you need. There’s nothing wrong with researching your options or asking friends and family members for suggestions. But a friend or family member may not know a doctor’s full record, explained Dr. Beaver.
Types of primary care doctors and how to find one
There are several types of doctors who can offer primary care. They include:8
- Family practitioners, who care for children and adults of all ages
- Internists, who care for adults of all ages
- Pediatricians, who care for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents
- Geriatricians, who care for older adults
- OB-GYNs, who can provide primary care for females of reproductive age
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who may provide primary care at some practices
You can find a primary care doctor in several ways, such as:8
- Asking around: Talk with friends, family members, and co-workers to ask for recommendations.
- Talking with other doctors: If you see specialists, ask them for a recommendation. Even your dentist may be able to make suggestions for a quality primary care doctor.
- Visiting your health insurance company’s website: You’ll find a feature like “find a doctor” that allows you to look up primary care doctors in your area. That ensures that the doctor you’re interested in is in network. You can also search for Optum doctors near you. Here’s how to get started.
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Summary
How often you should go to the doctor can vary depending on several factors. However, establishing care with a primary doctor can help you stay on top of your health by monitoring and addressing any changes before they become larger issues. Remember that prevention is the best medicine.