Chronic Disease Education
Acute Condition Education
Working with your Family Physician
Working with Allied Care Providers
Working with your GP
Knowledge is Power.
True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Working with your GP?
Information - Working with Your GP
Your family physician knows your health history best. He or she can recommend how often you should come in for a physical exam or wellness check, and how frequently you need medical testing or screening done. To get the most out of your appointment, make sure your family physician has up-to-date medical records.
How to Work with Your GP
Tell your doctor about any medications you take, including supplements. Make a list of questions to ask so that you don't forget anything important, and be totally honest with your family doctor about smoking, alcohol and drug use. Your healthcare provider needs an honest picture of your health to provide you with the best information for your situation.
Annual Physical Exams & Screening
It used to be common for people to “save up” their questions and concerns for an annual checkup with a physician. Many patients today choose to visit a primary care physician when they’re sick or are at a higher risk for developing a disease. Similarly, many medical experts have moved away from the yearly physical exam, instead recommending periodic health evaluations as needed. That said, there are some annual tests that a patient may require. Some examples of medical tests people might get yearly are:
• Pap smear: A sample of cells is taken from a woman’s cervix to check for abnormalities that may indicate cervical cancer.
• STI testing: Screening for sexually-transmitted infections should be done at least once a year if you’re sexually active.
• Prescription drug follow-ups: You may need to check-in with your doctor to make sure your dosage is working for you and that you’re not experiencing side effects.
• A PSA test: A blood test to screen for prostate cancer in men (generally recommended for patients over a certain age).
• A mammogram: A diagnostic exam to screen for breast cancer in women (generally recommended for patients over a certain age).
• Blood pressure testing and cholesterol profile (generally recommended for patients over a certain age).
• Blood tests: May include a chemistry panel and complete blood count, fibrinogen, hemoglobin A1C, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and more.
• Testing related to a chronic condition such as diabetes (you may need to see your physician more frequently).
Everyone's situation is different, so it's important to work with your GP for optimal health and wellness - whether you need help managing a chronic disease or have mental health concerns.
Talk to your family physician if you'd like more information on working with your GP.
Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on family health.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
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Many medical experts have moved away from the yearly physical exam, instead recommending periodic health evaluations as needed.
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Some examples of medical tests people might get yearly are a Pap smear, STI testing, prescription drug follow-ups, a PSA test, a mammogram, blood pressure testing and a cholesterol profile.
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If you have a chronic condition you may need to see your physician more frequently than once a year.
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To get the most out of your appointment, make sure your family physician has up-to-date medical records. Tell your doctor about any medications you take, including supplements.
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Make a list of questions to ask so that you don't forget anything important, and be totally honest with your family doctor about smoking, alcohol and drug use. Your healthcare provider needs a total, honest picture of your health to provide you with the best information for your situation.
