WELLNESS HEALTH
Make The Most
an
of
Doctor’s Visits
by Dr. Matthew Collins, RI
Did you know that, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, while 74% of women in the United States see a primary care doctor annually, only 57% of men receive routine healthcare? Routine healthcare includes everything from well visits to dental check-ups to eye exams— and is critical to having a long and healthy life. If you don’t go to the doctor regularly, it may be hard to know how to get the most of your visit. Here is a cheat sheet to keep in hand for your next appointment.
What to bring to your doctor:
• Your questions and concerns • A list of any medicines or vitamins you’re taking, including the dosage • Names and contact information of any doctors you’ve seen since your last appointment • Results of any medical tests that you’ve had since your last appointment • A record of your past vaccinations
Don’t forget to ask for:
• Test results, if available • Prescription refills and specific directions for taking any medicines
men in the rimary care 57% of men althcare
While visiting the doctor, there are specific screenings for common diseases that men should routinely check for, including some “silent” cancers, meaning you may have no symptoms until the disease has advanced and is harder to treat. By getting preventive cancer screenings, you have a greater chance of finding the disease early. Talk to your doctor about which screenings you should have, and if they are covered under your insurance plan.
Colon Cancer Screening
Who needs it: People ages 50+ Why it’s important: Colon cancer is caused by slow-growing polyps in the colon (also called the large intestine). Removing these
polyps can prevent many cases of colon cancer. Screening can also find cancer in its early stages. Deaths that could be prevented: More than 60%
Prostate Screening
Who needs it: Men aged 40 - 45+ (testing at 40 is recommended for men with a family history of prostate cancer or if you are African American) Why it’s important: Prostate cancer screenings allow medical professionals to find and treat prostate cancer early, offering men more treatment options with potentially fewer side effects. Deaths that could be prevented: 50-70%
Melanoma Screening
Who needs it: People of all ages, (particularly those with family history of melanoma, sunburns, a large number of moles, or sun-sensitivity) Why it’s important: Treatment options for melanoma depend on the depth of the cancer, which grows the longer the cancer goes unnoticed. Deaths that could be prevented: 100% of stage 0 melanomas and 95% of stage 1A tumors
Lung Cancer Screening
Who needs it: People of ages 55-80 with history of smoking 15-30 years who has not quit within the past 15 years. Why it’s important: CT scans often find cancer before symptoms are present, expediting treatment options. Screenings might also catch other conditions or diseases that need treatment. Deaths that could be prevented: Approximately 20% of lung cancer related deaths can be prevented from screenings If you’re at increased risk for cancer because of your health or family history, talk to your doctor. You may need to be screened more often or earlier than recommended in the general guidelines and should discuss any of these concerns during your next well visit.
It’s important that you feel you’re getting the information you need from your primary care doctor.
If you don’t have a regular doctor, consider choosing a patient-centered medical home. These practices offer extended hours, more time with medical professionals, and same-day sick visits. To find a doctor in a patientcentered medical home, visit the website on the back of your insurance card. You can then find a doctor in your network that specializes in primary care. Dr. Matthew Collins is a family physician and the Vice President of Clinical Integration at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Matt has more than 15 years of experience working in primary care. Matt is also an assistant professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
www.rifitmag.com | volume two issue ten
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