You may remember the HealthNEXT team encouraging you to visit your family doctor after your health assessment each year. This is because we want you to have a medical home (a place where you and your family can receive care for health concerns) and to understand the importance of having a family doctor you know and trust.
A family doctor is a physician that treats the whole person, regardless of age and sex, and practices with a focus on preventive care. A family doctor, also known as a primary care physician (PCP), can care for you when you are sick and well. Not only do they want to help you recover from an illness and feel better, but they also want to keep you from getting sick. They play a key role in preventing disease and helping individuals and families maintain overall health.
Family doctors also assist in coordinating care. For example, if you, your children, or your parents need a preventive screening or need to see a specialist, they will direct and assist you to the appropriate doctor when needed.
A previous post highlighted the significance of having a well visit with your PCP and provided information about what to expect during the visit. Scheduling a well-visit with your PCP is a very important step in making your health a priority. In order to do this, you first need a family doctor! If you do not already have one, you may be asking yourself the following questions:
· How do I go about finding one?
o There are a couple approaches you can take. First, you can visit your health insurance provider’s website to search eligible doctors in your zip code. Once you have a list, call around to find out if any are accepting new patients. Second, ask a friend, neighbor, or coworker who their PCP is and find out if they like, trust, and have a good relationship with them. If you receive all positive answers, ask for their name and call! Third, you can ask your plant nurse for a recommendation.
· What if I don’t like the one I have?
o Contrary to what many people believe, the quality of care you receive is up to you. If you are not satisfied with your PCP, do not trust them, or do not feel cared for or listened to, do not hesitate to find a new doctor. When life presents a health scare, you need to know that your family doctor will do everything they can to care for you and help you receive the proper treatment.
· How do I know if they are the right doctor for me?
o If you are meeting a doctor for the first time, there are a few keys to look out for:
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§ Do they come across kind, caring, and sensitive when asking about your health concerns?
§ Do they make you feel comfortable?
§ Do they make you feel that your health is also a priority to them?
§ In the midst of their busy schedule, do they take the time to answer your questions?
§ Do they review treatment options, alternatives, and potential side effects with you before prescribing medications?
§ Do they discuss wellness and prevention with you during your visit?
· What should I expect from them?
o Although most PCPs have a limited amount of time with each patient, you should expect to feel cared for when it is your turn. Your family doctor should discuss your complete family health history with you and provide recommendations on how to live a healthy life and prevent health issues that some of your family members before you may have experienced. They should recommend screenings for particular health problems when you reach the appropriate age. They should treat your acute illnesses and recommend seeing you on a regular basis (annually, biannually, etc.) in order to provide preventive care.
A PCP provides continuity of care. If you make the effort to find a doctor you know and trust, you will not have to start at square one each time you make a visit. Year after year you will have the opportunity to receive optimal care because you have chosen a doctor of good character. A family doctor is someone who knows your personal health history, as well as your family health history, and who follows your health over time to assist you in maintaining a healthy life. During your visits you should feel comfortable and confident in asking questions such as “what does that number mean,” “are there healthy behaviors I can work on in order to avoid blood pressure medication,” or “I’m experiencing certain side effects from my cholesterol medicine. Is there another medication I can try or what can we do differently to treat it?”
Why do I need to have a family doctor if I have a health assessment each year with the HealthNEXT team? SCA offers a unique opportunity to their employees every year in which they can participate in a blood draw and health assessment with a HealthNEXT physician and behaviorist. What the HealthNEXT team provides is different than what your family doctor can provide, making both opportunities great ways to take care of your health and learn about ways to live healthier.
Meeting with the HealthNEXT team allows you to:
· Have general lab tests performed
· Ask questions of the physician
· Learn about screenings and health risks
· Identify health concerns that need to be discussed and follow-up with by your PCP
· Receive ongoing coaching from a behaviorist to help you work towards your health-related goals, if you choose
Meeting with your family doctor allows you to:
· Discuss your family and personal health history in depth
· Have individualized blood work and other tests based on personal diagnoses and risks
· Receive medication and treatment for health problems. Your PCP is your prescriber.
· Have visits on a regular basis in order to monitor or address specific health concerns, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
· Obtain referrals/suggestions for screenings and specialists
Take advantage of both opportunities! After the heath assessment each year, share your lab results with your family doctor and discuss with him/her what you learned and perhaps what you are working on, individually or with your behaviorist/health coach. Ask for further recommendations and receive answers to your questions.
Keep an eye on the blog for an upcoming post on relevant questions to discuss with your PCP.
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