Preventive care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health. This is why you should schedule regular medical examinations, preferably with your family doctor. Seeking care from a primary care physician instead of a specialist can also be beneficial in terms of reducing your medical expenses. Global Newswire indicates that people who have a primary care provider, or family doctor, save as much as 33% on their health costs as those who seek care from specialists.



When to Seek Medical Care

Many people see medical care as something that is only needed when they are ailing. This may be true in cases of injuries and certain chronic illnesses that require immediate attention. However, many diseases often develop over a long period of time. Such diseases and the health conditions that can cause them are much easier to control when detected in their earliest stages. This is why those under the age of 50 should seek a medical examination every three years. Those who are older need one every year. The elderly will require attention at even shorter intervals.

What to Expect from a Medical Examination

Your family doctor will check your basic health, including such issues as blood pressure and reflexes. Your physician may also refer you to laboratory tests to check the internal functioning of your body. If a specific problem is identified, you may be referred to a medical specialist who can deal with that issue.

When to Consider Special Needs

It is important to consider whether anything has changed since your last medical examination. The doctor may have noticed a change in your blood pressure or an early indication of diabetes. This is when you may be given additional tests or a follow-up examination in a relatively short period of time. The scheduling of medical visits may also depend upon your family's health history. If your family has a history of cancer, you may be given more frequent screenings for the disease.

Caring for Yourself

Medical care can be provided by doctors, but keeping healthy is still largely a personal matter. This is why you should seek health care when it is needed and also preventive care on a schedule decided by your family doctor and other factors. Only you know when you require medical help, but you also have to understand the steps needed to keep yourself healthy.

Make sure you have a reliable wellness team on your side. If you're in the Chattanooga, TN area and need a primary care physician, contact us today!