Download Family Doctor Visits: Why Checkups Are Vital

Family Doctor Visits: Why Checkups Are Vital
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is one of Benjamin Franklin’s best-loved quotes. Although
Franklin wrote these words with fire safety in mind, people often use them when they talk about healthcare.
Indeed, it’s always better to prevent health issues or to treat them before they become serious or even fatal.
Physicians are on both sides of the fence on whether patients should see their family doctors every year.
However, the federal government strongly supports annual checkups. Medicare and other insurers cover yearly
visits as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Why Annual Checkups Are Important
Carolyn Cooper, medical director of Purdue University’s Center for Healthy Living, says that annual
examinations and other preventive services are key to early detection should a patient have a major health
issue. They help doctors find diseases or conditions when they are easier to manage.
Dr. Cooper further states: "Preventive care in general also helps identify patients who are at high risk for a
disease and allows time to implement specific preventive steps to help ensure their best possible health."
Health problems can sometimes catch people off-guard. Some serious diseases are asymptomatic in their early
stages or have symptoms that mimic less serious conditions. Health screenings can help doctors detect diseases
or health conditions even before their patients start showing symptoms.
The Harvard Health Publications blog gives three great reasons for having an annual checkup:
1)
It helps patients establish relationships with their doctors. Patients are more likely to be honest and
open with a physician they have known for quite some time. The patient may need to divulge some sensitive
information such as a history of alcoholism and drug use, domestic violence, mental illness, etc.
2)
It helps doctors keep track of their patients’ health care information. They can remind their patients
when they need immunizations, screenings, or medical procedures. Their patients can also have easy access to
their own medical records.
3)
It allows patients more personalized healthcare. Thorough medical records help doctors make their
diagnoses more easily and accurately. These records also provide a firm basis for doctors when they make their
recommendations and medical decisions. Patients also have the opportunity to review their medications so they
can determine whether the medications need to be adjusted, changed, continued, or discontinued.
Recommended Additional Exams and Screenings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following exams and screenings especially
for high-risk patients:
High Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Prostate Cancer Screening
Oral Health for Adults
Skin Cancer
Viral Hepatitis
HIV/AIDS
What Patients Must Do When They Visit Their Family Doctor
The Harvard Women's Health Watch gives some pointers on how patients—both male and female—can get the
most out of their checkups:
The patient should have a list of his or her health concerns and current medications handy.
Patients should mention any changes in the health of their families.
Health concerns should be brought up early in the visit, so the physician has time to address them.
If a medication is not working, say so!
No matter how healthy a person may seem, he or she will benefit immensely from an annual checkup. Apart
from increasing the chances for a longer and healthier life, it also provides peace of mind.