How Often Should You Visit Your Primary Care Physician?
Everyone knows to see their primary care doctor if they have a fever and a sore throat—that’s an easy call. How often you should visit your primary care physician is another matter. There is no single answer or universal timetable, but there are some helpful guidelines.
Benefits Of Visiting Your Primary Care Physician
Many people think they don’t need to see their doctor unless they are sick. Unfortunately, that approach is shortsighted and can be risky. Before discussing how often to visit your doctor, here are some benefits of seeing your primary care physician even when you are not ill:
Davidson Family Medicine can identify health issues before they become serious.
You will receive early treatment for any illnesses.
You will get regular monitoring of existing health conditions.
It helps you stay on top of vaccinations and screening tests such as mammograms and colonoscopies.
It saves money by preventing complications or severe conditions through early detection.
You will develop a trusting relationship with your doctor.
It helps you discover ways to improve lifestyle habits and live longer.
Basic Guidelines For How Often To See Your Primary Care Physician
How often you should visit the doctor depends on:
Your age
Your risk factors for chronic illnesses or diseases such as cancer
Your current health status
Everyone is different, so even these guidelines are not set in stone.
In general, for both men and women who are in good health and under age 50, it is recommended to see your primary care physician every three years for a checkup. After age 50, you should see your doctor once a year. Older adults should see their doctor consistently for blood tests and follow-up appointments twice per year, assuming there are no additional concerns.
If you have a chronic illness such as COPD or diabetes, your visits should be more frequent, regardless of age, and determined by your physician.
A general checkup should include height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse to compare with previous visits. Your physician will likely listen to your heart and lungs to identify any abnormalities.
In addition to these physical checks, there will be a discussion of any new symptoms, issues with alcohol or drug use, and smoking habits.
Screening Tests for Women
PAP smears for cervical cancer between ages 21 and 65
Mammograms between ages 50 and 74
Cholesterol screening starting at age 45
Osteoporosis screening at age 65
Screening Tests for Men
A prostate exam may be recommended by Davidson Family Medicine at age 50
Cholesterol screening starting at age 35
For smokers, an abdominal aneurysm screening between ages 65 and 75
There are additional screenings for both men and women that your doctor may recommend depending on your risk factors and weight.
You can take charge of your own health and well-being by seeing your primary care physician regularly and following their guidance.
Contact Davidson Family Medicine at (704) 892-5454, or request an appointment online, for an annual physical or any other type of appointment.