Proactive Appointments With Your Primary Care Physician Improve Your Overall Health

If you are the type of person that waits until a problem gets so bad you need to go to the emergency room, you are taking unnecessary risks with your own health. While you may feel as if your issue is no big deal, there are many times that a small problem that isn't handled becomes an emergency. When you are beginning to feel sick with symptoms you rarely experience, it's important to discuss the symptoms with your primary care doctor. While you will be able to get care at an urgent care facility or emergency room, it is your primary care physician who will be responsible for overseeing your overall medical care.

Stop Waiting Until You are Really Sick

Many people feel like they are going to the doctor just to complain if they aren't feeling sick enough to go to the emergency room. Going to an ER should be your last option, as proactive visits with your primary care doctor can help figure out what is going on before the situation gets out of control. While you can certainly handle plenty of symptoms at home on your own, you should not rely on urgent care or the emergency room to manage your medical care. Go to your primary doctor and report new symptoms to establish a baseline of health.

Keeping Your Primary Care Physician in the Loop

When you have to go to the emergency room for any reason, your primary care physician should be notified. While this is the ideal scenario, there are plenty of times where a record of your visit to the ER isn't going to make it to your primary care doctor. The discharge instructions generally include a follow up appointment with your primary care doctor, and it's important that you make this appointment. You will need to keep your doctor informed as to what is going on with you medically, so that if you have further problems they will be able to assess the situation more readily.

Get Your Yearly Physical

A yearly physical isn't the most fun, but it's a great time to check in with your primary care provider. Your current health will be assessed, and you will be sent for any routine screenings or tests that you might need. Well checkups are an important part of your medical care, and they are an essential time for you and your doctor to talk about your health.

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