The Importance of Regular Check-ups! MUST READ

Preventative medicine is the best medicine. It can help you stay on track with your health, prevent future illness, or recognize an undiagnosed condition. Going to your doctor only when you feel sick can be detrimental to your overall wellbeing. Below is an overview of the benefits of receiving regular check-ups.

What are the Advantages of Routine Check-ups?

Visiting your healthcare provider on a regular basis can a great way to maintain and improve your health. Here are some of the top benefits of receiving regular check-ups:

1. Detects Diseases at an Early Stage

Sometimes a wellness check-up can detect a disease or condition through routine screening. Your doctor will perform tests based on your specific age, sex, medical history, and lifestyle. Early detection and intervention positively correlates with successfully treating or curing of a disease.

2. Monitoring of Existing Conditions

If you are already faced with a chronic condition, regular visits with your healthcare provider can help you to manage your health and prevent worsening of the condition. This can lower your risk of severe complications and even improve symptoms. One study demonstrates that patient engagement is associated with positive outcomes for chronic conditions.

3. Performing Blood Tests and Receiving Vaccinations

Most annual wellness check-ups will include some form of blood tests. The results from this screening can demonstrate any abnormalities your body may be experiencing. Blood tests often look at numbers to determine your cholesterol levels, identify any chronic conditions, or to detect how well your organs are functioning. The results from blood tests can help doctors guide you in preventative care and patient education. In addition, scheduled visits also ensure you are staying up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations.

4. Limits Healthcare Costs

By detecting conditions early, regular health screenings can prevent you from costly medical bills down the road. You may be able to avoid having to pay for expensive medications or undergoing surgery.

How Often Should I Receive a Check-up?

The frequency in which you should visit your primary care provider will vary depending on a variety of factors. For those who are older or are already faced with a chronic condition will likely need to schedule an appointment more often than someone who is young and healthy. The majority of insurance companies will cover the full cost of a wellness visit. Be sure to call your insurance company to know the full plan of coverage.

What is Included in a Routine Check-up?

Most wellness visits will include a medical history (including medications and surgeries), blood tests, vitals, a physical exam, and any vaccinations. Your doctor will also suggest and refer you for any other necessary screenings. For women, this could include a mammogram or pap smear. For men, it could be necessary to perform a prostate exam.

If you are in need of a wellness check-up, Hope Community Care provides low-cost comprehensive primary care for men, women, and children. We are dedicated to building strong relationships with our patients so they can be empowered to manage their health well. For more questions or to schedule an appointment, call us at (818) 853-2220 today!