Some people want their doctor’s visit to be over quickly, so they forget to ask some of the essential questions that they think about throughout the year. While doing independent research about health can be beneficial, primary care physicians offer a personalized perspective about what would be best for you as an individual. Here are just a few of the questions to ask at your next appointment with a primary care doctor.

What Health Tests Should I Have?

Primary physicians are not just worried about treating you for immediate health issues. For that type of care, you can consider going to an urgent care center. Doctors prioritize helping you to develop healthy habits. To give you the best advice, and to reduce your odds of developing health problems down the line, primary care physicians have to conduct a series of tests. Which tests you are given may depend on your family’s history with:

• Cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Liver function
• Kidney function

Once tests have been done to evaluate these aspects of your health, you can begin to develop a health plan.

How Regularly Should I Visit My Primary Care Doctor?

According to Healthline, you should visit our primary care doctor on an annual basis. That being said, this advice may vary depending on your current health and medical history. For example, if you are at risk for diabetes, then you may want to come in more regularly to have your blood tested.

You are encouraged to visit a primary doctor or an urgent care center when you have illnesses such as a sinus infection, sprains, and other minor injuries. If you aren’t sure if the health problems you are having require a visit to your primary care doctor, do not hesitate to call them and ask.

What Dietary Changes Should I Make?

Most of us could do with a few adjustments to our diet. Between all of the “fad diets” out there, it is hard to know what advice to believe. The truth is, what works for one person will not always work for another. Primary care physicians can offer you personalized advice and help you to make healthy choices. Tests can also give you insight into whether or not you should be incorporating more or less of something into your diet.

If you haven’t had a visit with a primary care doctor in a while, be sure to call the medical professionals at Care Station Medical Group to schedule an appointment.