EEH: Why and when adults should have a primary care physician

There’s no doubt web search engines and apps are helpful for finding answers to burning questions.

But when it comes to health or medical questions, the answers are rarely one-size-fits-all.

This is one reason adults should have a primary care doctor they check in with at least once a year, a doctor who knows their personal medical history and physical make-up and can give them customized assessments.

Using an annual gynecologist visit as a primary care check-up isn’t as comprehensive. OB/GYNs specialize in women’s health, and while annual gynecologic check-ups are important, primary care physicians are trained to make a comprehensive health assessment.

As people age, their bodies change and face new challenges. It’s important to stay on top of any issues that come up.

The thought of finding a doctor, penciling in time for an appointment and then finding time to make the appointment can be daunting (and, understandably, discourages a lot of people from getting checked out).

Fortunately, with today’s technology, it’s a lot easier to find a doctor close to home and schedule an appointment — and it can all be done on a smartphone at EEHealth.org.

A primary care doctor, like those with Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group, is a vital component of adult healthcare. Consider these reasons why adults should have their own doctor:

• Familiarity. A primary care doctor is a familiar home base who is aware of their patients’ health history and can monitor health changes over time.
• Catch health concerns early. Because the doctor sees patients over time, he or she can better help them manage chronic disease, find the best specialists, and, with regular check-ups and screenings, catch health issues early.
• Comfort. It’s easier to see a doctor who’s familiar than a stranger when feeling ill.
• Better communication. Patients feel more comfortable talking about symptoms and concerns, and a primary care doctor will be better able to help them avoid medical pitfalls.

Seeing a doctor on a regular basis helps patients avoid catastrophic health events that could land them in the hospital or even surgery. Not only do regular visits keep patients healthier, they help prevent expensive medical bills down the road.

Where to start?

Finding the right doctor can take some time. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Search the Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group database, which includes hundreds of doctor profiles, ratings/reviews and even videos of the doctors.

There are two types of primary care physicians to consider:

• Family medicine. When someone needs to arrange care for the family, a family medicine physician can be the most convenient and most effective choice. Family medicine doctors have specific knowledge of the body at any age, from newborns to seniors. Family medicine doctors can also treat a wide variety of conditions, including ailments for which someone would normally see a specialist.
• Internal medicine. Internal medicine doctors specialize in the care of adults and teens, typically 16 years and older. Some internists specialize in certain diseases, parts of the body or life stage, like diabetes management, sports medicine and geriatric care. Patients should consider their health history, family history and known risk factors as they choose an internist.

Learn more at EEHealth.org/EEMG.