Due to Covid-19 many adults have delayed medical care, including routine care with their primary care provider (PCP). Rebecca Lewis, DO, a family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, encourages you to get an annual exam and answers common questions about the exam.
Q. Why is it important for me to have an annual check-up with my PCP?
A. Annual exams are important for maintaining health! This is the time that your physician will discuss preventive screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, labs, etc. Early detection of any medical condition is key to keeping it under control and preventing worsening disease.
Q. What types of information will I receive during and after my checkup?
A. During your visit, you will review your vital signs (blood pressure, weight, heart rate, etc.), routine screening labs, lifestyle risk factors and any concerns that you have. You will receive counseling on things you can do to improve and maintain your health.
After the appointment, you will likely receive lab results and schedules for appointments for your follow-up screening exams. Most of the time, you will be notified of an exam result by phone or mail depending on your physician and the result of the test.
Q. If I have a family history that makes me high risk to develop health-related issues, should I be tested for a disease or condition?
A. If you have family history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc., screening and early detection can help prevent disease and possibly save your life. Many cancers, like breast and colon cancer, have recommended screening start times. However, the American Cancer Society® may recommend those with a family history begin screening starting 10 years prior to the youngest family member who was diagnosed.
Q. What are common symptoms I should be aware of if I begin to develop health problems?
A. Some of the most common conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often have no symptoms but can cause severe medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease. This is why preventive exams are incredibly important. Some symptoms that would merit promptly going to the doctor include fatigue, difficulty breathing, constipation, leg swelling, blood in the stool, and increase in thirst and urination, to name a few.
To schedule an appointment, call 580-233-5553 or book online at stmarysphysicianassociates.com
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.
