An annual physical with a primary care MD is a good way to stay healthy and proactive.

• Make it a goal to get a physical with your primary care provider annually. Sometimes its easiest to schedule this around your birthday so you don’t forget.
• There are certain screenings that need to be done annually or less often so it’s important to talk with your primary care provider about when you need to be scheduling things like colonoscopies and mammograms.
• Women, especially child bearing years, should also see someone for their routine gynecological care. This can be with your primary care provider or an OB/ GYN MD.
• Make sure you are up to date on all vaccines. This can be discussed with your primary care provider as well who should have a record of them.
• In the fall mark the calendar to remember to get your flu shot.

Other Healthcare workers you should see are:

• Dentist: You should make sure you have appointments to see you dentist at least 2 times each year for a basic cleaning and exam.
• Eye Doctor: Most adults should see an eye MD annually as well.

Don’t have a Primary Care Doctor…

If you don’t have a primary care provider contact your insurance company to see who is in network. Local hospitals have doctor referral information on their websites so you can get a list of providers that are accepting new patients .