5 Reasons To See Your Doctor, Even When You’re Healthy

It can be easy to skip preventive doctor’s visits when you’re a healthy, young adult. However, prioritizing health care in this stage of life can be one of the best things you can do for your future health and longevity.

This year, don’t skip your annual well-visit with a primary care provider (PCP). Here are five reasons why.

1. To Establish a Relationship 

Having a long-term relationship with a doctor that you know and trust can make all the difference should you need care for a condition or illness in the future. Seeing a doctor who knows your baseline offers a huge benefit. They’re familiar with your personality, usual demeanor and general outlook on life. This can help them expedite needed care to get you back to your optimal health.

Find a provider that you feel comfortable with. “Look for someone who listens to you and answers any questions you have,” shares Shelby Schuster, APRN-CNP, a family medicine provider with ProMedica Physicians Internal Medicine | Family Medicine - Levis Commons. “Start seeing them when you’re young so that you’re able to grow right alongside them.”

Not every provider and patient will get along. If you don’t feel like you and your primary care provider are on the same page, it’s OK to try someone new.

2. To Discuss Your Family History

A primary care provider wants to see you when you’re healthy to discuss how you can stay healthy.

“You can’t outrun your genetics,” Schuster shares. “If you’re genetically predisposed to a condition, I want to know about it. We will discuss what we can do now to reduce your risk.”

In addition to a physical examination, the provider will be just as interested in your family tree. They will ask questions about your family members’ medical history to determine any conditions you might be at risk for. Come prepared with information and knowledge about any health conditions that run in your family. Know what health conditions your parents, siblings and grandparents have and when they were diagnosed.

A provider may order additional tests to establish a baseline to compare future results to in the years to come. The sooner you can catch a health problem, the easier it is to treat. 

3. To Get Preventive Care and Screenings

A great way to identify problems before any symptoms appear is to receive recommended preventive care. This may include vitals such as blood pressure, vaccines, screenings for things such as cervical cancer, lab tests and questionnaires on things such as mood and sleep.

“Prevent the preventable. Do all the recommended tests and don’t let yourself get behind,” Schuster recommends. Having a test or two performed every year is easier than having them all done in one visit after missing several years of preventive care services.

4. To Receive Referrals for Specialty Care

Your primary care provider is always the place to start. If you have a more complex issue that requires specialty care, they can provide a referral and even give recommendations on what specialty provider they think might be a good fit for you.

The importance of having a good relationship with your provider comes in again here. The better a provider knows you, the better they will know when something isn’t your “normal.” They will also be able to provide a better recommendation for someone that will be a good fit for your care preferences and personality.

Schuster also recommends that all women of childbearing age establish a relationship with an OB-GYN in addition to their primary care provider. An OB-GYN provides specialty care specific to a woman’s reproductive system and sexual health. Knowing that this aspect of care is being handled by your OB-GYN, your primary care provider can focus on the broader picture of your health.

5. To Have a Trusted Resource

It can be easy to go down an internet rabbit hole when you’re experiencing a new or unusual symptom. While the internet can be a helpful tool, it can often lead you in the wrong direction on medical issues.

“Use your provider as your Google,” Schuster recommends. Providers are a reliable source for you to use. They have the knowledge and background to diagnose or order any tests they might need to be able to make a diagnosis.

“Think about any concerns before your visit and tell them about everything that is going on with your health,” Schuster shares. “Don’t be afraid to sound stupid – there are no stupid questions so please ask them all!”

Shelby Schuster, APRN-CNP
Shelby is a family medicine provider at ProMedica Physicians Internal Medicine | Family Medicine - Levis Commons. View her profile.