Primary care plays an important role in helping people stay healthy across their lifespan. Primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants build long-term care relationships with their patients which include knowing their patients’ medical history and staying on top of any changes in their health. They also can help patients navigate the complicated health care system by coordinating with specialists, making referrals, and ordering screening exams.
Let’s talk about some of the ways that regularly seeing a primary care doctor can help keep you in the best health.
Annual check-ups
An annual check-up is a yearly visit with your primary care doctor that helps you stay on top of your health and detect any new health conditions early on. It’s also an opportunity to ask your doctor any questions you have about your health.
During an annual check-up, you will be given a complete physical exam, including a review of your height, weight, and any immunizations, tests, or screenings you may need. You will also have time to talk about your medical history, any recent changes to your health, and any medications you are taking.
Back-to-school and pre-employment physicals
Physicals help identify any chronic medical conditions or other illnesses to make sure you or your child is heading back to school or starting a new job in the best health. They are also a good time to talk with your doctor about any changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or any other health questions you may have.
Vaccinations
Primary care doctors stay up to date with the latest recommendations on which vaccinations and immunizations you may need. Making sure you get the right shots on the recommended schedule is the best way to protect and keep yourself in the best health. If you or your child has missed a recommended shot, your doctor can work with you to schedule it and make sure that you stay on track.
Health screenings
Regular health screenings are an important part of primary care. Some common health screenings include:
- Blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cancer (breast, cervical, colon, prostate)
- Cholesterol
- Depression
- Developmental delays
- Diabetes
- Hearing
- HIV / AIDS
- Pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Skin checks
- Vision
Chronic health conditions
For patients who are found to have health conditions such those listed above, their primary care provider can treat those conditions to keep you at your healthiest! Sometimes a specialist is needed and then your primary care provider can help guide you to the right care for you.
Primary care: What you need to know
Most people wait until they are sick before they go to the doctor. Finding the right primary care doctor can make a big difference in your long-term health and allow you to build a relationship with someone who is monitoring your health goals and progress. It’s ok to schedule appointments with a few different doctors until you find one who feels like the right fit. Once you find a primary doctor who is right for you, stick with them so they can get to know you and your health history. It’s a relationship that’s worth the investment!
From infants and toddlers to teens and adults, Sun River Health provides comprehensive primary and preventive health care to patients of all ages. Our team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinical staff will learn about your health history, get to know your health care needs, and make sure you get the care you need, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.
To find a Sun River Health location near you, visit sunriver.org.
About Sun River Health: Sun River Health is a network of 48 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 250,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers started efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York to deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable health care services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after more than 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. For more information, visit sunriver.org
