Primary Care | Jefferson City Magazine

FAMILY MEDICINE

PRIMARY CARE

MYTH

I do not need to go to the doctor unless I’m sick.

FACT

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most people don’t go to the doctor unless they’re sick or have a problem. But you should start by seeing your doctor when you’re well for overall health maintenance.

FACT EXPLAINED

By seeing your doctor routinely, you can stay on top of your health. Your doctor can provide preventive health screenings and monitor your health over time. This allows them to catch diseases early and help you manage them before they progress into more serious conditions.

How often you routinely see your doctor depends on your health. Many doctors recommend you come in once a year for a check-up. If you have problems or a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you will likely need to be seen more often.

When deciding whether to call the doctor when you’re experiencing symptoms, you should also consider the state of your health and any risk factors you may have. For example, if you have asthma and you get a respiratory infection, you may need to see your doctor sooner than someone who doesn’t have asthma. In addition, if you’re having new symptoms after having a procedure, surgery, immunization, injection, or starting a new medicine, you should call your doctor.