August 2020 Monthly Health Article – Summer Safety
Taking Charge of Your Health: How Your Primary Care Provider Can Help You Stay Ahead of the Curve
by Marshal Unrein, PA
Since the onset of COVID-19, many of us have probably focused more intently on our health than ever before – paying close attention to how we are feeling, staying alert to any signs that we might not be well and doing what we can to stay healthy. While a pandemic is certainly a bad thing, being more in tune with and focused on our health is definitely a good thing.
Typically, most of us will visit a doctor when we are sick, experiencing a new health problem or are in pain. However, to truly optimize our health, it is important that we visit our primary care provider for regular check-ups – even when we are well.
Annual physical exams can play a very important role in your health. While a yearly examination may seem unnecessary, especially if you feel great, this regular visit with your primary care provider can offer valuable help in preventing health surprises and setbacks down the road. Early diagnosis of many conditions – from cancer to heart disease and other ailments – offers the best chance to achieve the best outcome possible and help keep you on the road to good health.
Additionally, regular primary care can help you establish a healthy and trusting relationship with your provider, making it easier and more comfortable for you to discuss any health concerns you have with a healthcare professional who can help.
So, what is a primary care provider?
Primary care providers include family physicians, general practitioners, general pediatricians and geriatricians, and nurse practitioners. They commonly diagnose new illnesses, help manage chronic conditions, advocate for preventive care and help protect the overall wellness of their patients.
They are usually your first contact when seeking care and your principal point of continuing care. In fact, continuity is a key characteristic of primary care. Having a go-to primary care provider offers you a trusted source for routine check-ups, preventive care and conversations about your health concerns. Your provider knows and understands your health history and potential risk factors, which gives them a more complete picture of your health and how to best manage it.
What happens during an annual exam with a primary care provider?
Your primary care provider uses your regular check-ups to see how your body is performing and monitors your vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other important health markers. Depending on your personal health history, your primary care provider might choose to focus on certain areas during your exam, like additional blood pressure and cholesterol screenings if you have a family history of heart disease.
Beyond monitoring and improving your health, an annual check-up allows you and your provider to develop a strong provider-patient relationship, which can go a long way in helping identify even the smallest changes in your health or lifestyle. If you suffer from any chronic conditions, your primary care provider can help you manage them and stay tuned in to any changes in your condition that may need attention.
Yearly exams are also the best way for a primary care provider to ensure that you are getting the preventive health screenings and important vaccinations you need at the right times.
Are annual exams expensive?
Getting an annual exam doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, most insurance plans fully cover one check-up each year. You should contact your insurance provider for details regarding your plan’s coverage.
If you haven’t scheduled your annual check-up, now is a great time to get it on the calendar. Provider offices are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of their patients, so it’s never been safer to visit your primary care provider. Your primary care provider may even have a few more openings for annual exam visits than usual.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, Colorado Plains Medical Center can help. Call 970-867-3391 or visit ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com and get connected with primary care today to help you stay healthy for all your tomorrows.
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Effective March 1, 2021, Colorado Plains Medical Center will be disposing medical records of those prior to December 31, 2009, that have satisfied the required period of retention.
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The final two months of the year are traditionally filled with a number of opportunities to celebrate with family, friends and co-workers. Of course, 2020 has been anything but a traditional year, thanks in no small part to the ongoing pandemic.
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Colorado Plains Medical Center (CPMC) announces appointment of Kevin Zachary as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He will replace retiring CEO, Gene O'Hara, at the end of October.
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Colorado Plains Medical Center's parent company, LifePoint Health, was a recent recipient of the 2017 John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety. The prestigious award acknowledges major achievements in healthcare quality and patient safety.
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The hospital now offers FAST TRACK as a pre-registration option. This convenient service is ideal for those expecting a baby, scheduling a mammogram, or have a scheduled procedure, such as a sleep study or surgery
July 7, 2017
The Paul E. Woodward Birthing Center, a mainstay at this Colorado hospital, was recognized for its commitment to reducing the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy to less than one percent.
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Professional Chef at Colorado Plains Medical Center, Tracy Fisher, provides tips for those who are seeking to eat healthier in the New Year.
January 9, 2017
Colorado Plains Medical Center is among the 6% of hospitals that achieved Top Hospital status through the national Leapfrog organization's annual survey process for safety and quality measures and outcomes. Additionally, it was one of only 21 rural hospitals selected by Leapfrog to receive an additional designation as a Top Rural Hospital.
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Colorado Plains Medical Center physician is a recipient of Alumni of the Plains award
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The Leapfrog Group, a national safety watchdog, bestows an "A" grade to local hospital
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Group among the ranks of 2016 HomeCare Elite
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Colorado Plains Medical Center encourages community to get vaccinated
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