Why should I have a primary care doctor?

Visiting a doctor should not be reserved for flu season or after a person has fallen victim to an illness.

Regularly visiting a primary care physician is critical to maintaining optimal health, establishing a doctor-patient relationship with continuity of care, and potentially preventing future chronic diseases from taking root.

While the number of yearly doctor visits is unique to each individual and can fluctuate over time, healthy individuals are encouraged to visit their doctor at least once a year.

The annual checkup is used for preventive screening for diseases like diabetes, HIV, certain cancers, and any other irregularities.

In the event that a patient begins developing a serious illness, the primary care doctor manages the care given by other medical specialists, all of whom will have access to the detailed medical records.

A full list of preventative care screening recommendations by age and gender can be found online at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.