While there are recommendations for routine physical exams, not everyone has the exact health needs or concerns. So, if you wonder how often you should see your primary care doctor, you must consider several guidelines to achieve the best health possible.
Let’s talk about the guidelines and where you can go in West Orange, NJ, for comprehensive healthcare.
See your PCP every three years.
This guideline applies to people under 50 or younger who are in good health condition. The iconic annual physical is important for healthy aging and the status of current chronic diseases, such as asthma or diabetes, and your lifestyle- and age-related risk factors, such as excess body weight and smoking.
Follow your PCP’s advice for subsequent visits.
If you require chronic disease management, follow your doctor’s advice on when to come into the office or to check in via phone, tele visit or patient portal. More frequent conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease could have serious and long-term consequences if not managed consistently and accurately.
Your primary care physician keeps your medical record.
See your primary care physician if you need updates to your vaccines, a physical for work, school or sports participation or other necessary documentation regarding your health status, medical history, and medications.
Have you developed symptoms, or has something changed since your last visit?
You must routinely check your blood pressure, and observe the changes. It’s time for an in-office evaluation and discussion of medication adjustments or other therapies to best control your blood pressure.
Or, maybe you have a skin spot that is changing in color and texture. Have you noticed a drop in your hearing or mild shortness of breath? Don’t ignore these symptoms. Rather, be proactive, and have an eyes-on exam with your PCP.
See your PCP if you believe you need a referral to a specialist.
For instance, if your mild knee pain worsens, you may consider visiting an orthopedic surgeon. Or, you want allergy testing and management.
See your primary care doctor to discuss these issues and to ask for a referral to a doctor suited to meet your needs. If you have had a good ongoing relationship with your physician, he or she can recommend the best skills and personality fit for you.
Get preventive care.
This includes pap smears for women of 21 and older, colon cancer screening for 45 individuals, annual flu shots, and other vaccines depending on your age and health status.
Your PCP can deliver most health services you need.
Whether you have an upper respiratory infection, pink eye, a UTI, high cholesterol or GERD, your doctor can put you on the road to wellness. Additionally, the PCP staff will coordinate your care with specialty providers as needed. At Hudson MD Group, you have ready access to a wide range of physicians, such as cardiologists and podiatrists, who are passionate about precise and compassionate patient care.
Is There a Primary Care Physician Near Me?
If you live in the West Orange, NJ, area, the answer would be yes. At Hudson MD Group, we have family care and internal medicine physicians who will partner with you in achieving and maintaining your best possible health.
To know more or schedule a consultation, call us today at (973) 705-4914 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We have locations in Englewood Hills, West Orange, Fort Lee, Norwood, Palisades Park, and Ridgefield, NJ.
