5 Reasons To Visit Your Primary Care Physician More Often

When you're not feeling well, by all means — visit the doctor. However, even when you do feel fine, it's important to visit the doctor as well, if not even more important. If you're someone who only visits your primary care physician when you have an issue, learn why more frequent visits are so important.

1. Health Assessment

Do you know how healthy you are? If you don't visit the doctor often, you probably don't. Typically, once a year, a physician will collect blood samples, examine your body, and ask you a series of questions about your health and lifestyle. Combined, this information will provide a thorough assessment of your health, which is vital information every person should stay up-to-date with. 

2. Silent Conditions

Not every medical condition comes with pronounced symptoms. Take high blood pressure, for instance. Many people with elevated blood pressure levels don't experience any symptoms, but the disease can lead to major organ failure, stroke, and even prove to be fatal. Regular visits to your healthcare provider, allows him or her to detect these conditions before they get out of control.

3. New Medications

If you currently take prescription medications, you must visit your provider. Mediations typically need to be adjusted, such as in dosage, over time. New medications are also released regularly. Regular visits allow your physician to examine your current medications and make updates as necessary to ensure you are getting the best treatment possible with the medications you are taking. 

4. Ease Fears

If certain health conditions are common in your family, regularly visiting your primary care physician can help ease your fears. As part of your health assessment, your provider will typically ask you about the health of your direct loved ones. If there are certain common traits, such as diabetes or cancer, the physician can order additional testing to help better assess your risk so that you know where you stand. 

5. Preventive Care

Why get sick if you don't have to? Primary care physicians do an excellent job of helping their patients prevent certain illnesses or conditions. For instance, if a patient is overweight, they could be at risk for certain conditions. The physician could recognize this risk and talk to the patient about certain diet and lifestyle changes they could make to decrease this risk and ultimately, help the individual avoid the risk.

Now is an excellent time to change your habits and start visiting a direct primary care physician more often. After all, your health depends on it.