Preventive care is health services that identify potential health concerns before symptoms appear or before a condition progresses. Primary care physicians (PCPs) coordinate many preventive services, from health screenings and immunizations to lab testing. Because your PCP keeps a record of your health history, they can track which preventive services you have received and which ones are due. Your PCP can also refer you to specialists for screenings not offered in the office. Here’s more information on primary care visits and how they support preventive healthcare:
Routine Visits and Preventive Care
An annual physical gives your primary care doctor dedicated time to review your overall health, allowing them to check your blood pressure, weight, heart rate, and vitals. They will also discuss your lifestyle habits during routine healthcare visits. This means they may ask about your family history, diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and tobacco or alcohol use. This information helps your PCP determine which screenings and services fit your health needs and risk factors.
Sick visits also create opportunities for preventive care. If you visit your PCP for a sinus infection or minor injury, your doctor may notice that you are due for a vaccine or screening. Your PCP treats the immediate concern and also reviews your chart for overdue preventive services, allowing them to address those needs during the same appointment. Follow-up visits for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure serve a similar purpose. During these appointments, your PCP monitors how you’re managing the condition.
Immunizations and Preventive Care
Immunizations are a standard part of preventive care for patients of all ages. Your primary provider tracks your vaccination record and recommends vaccines based on current guidelines from public health organizations. Children receive many vaccines on a set schedule during their first years of life, most commonly:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Polio
- Whooping Cough
Adolescents may receive additional vaccines, such as those for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal disease. Many schools require proof of certain vaccines, and your child’s PCP can provide the necessary records.
Vaccine recommendations continue into adulthood, and adults who travel internationally may need vaccines not included in the standard schedule. Your PCP may recommend an annual flu shot, a tetanus booster every 10 years, and vaccines for shingles or pneumonia after a certain age. Your PCP can review your travel plans and discuss which vaccines may be appropriate. If you have a chronic condition or a weakened immune system, your doctor may adjust their recommendations.
Lab Testing and Preventive Care
Lab tests, like cholesterol panels and blood glucose tests, give your PCP information that a physical exam alone cannot provide. Your doctor uses your age, health history, and risk factors to decide which tests to order and how often. Adults over a certain age may need regular cholesterol screenings, while patients with a family history of diabetes may receive blood glucose tests more frequently. Many practices draw blood on-site, but some may send you to a nearby lab. When results are available, your PCP reviews them and explains what they mean.
Discuss Your Primary Care Options
If you have not had a physical in the past year, contact a primary practice to schedule an appointment. Preventive care recommendations vary based on age, sex, health history, and other factors. Your PCP can review your records and explain which screenings and vaccines apply to you. Bring a list of your current medications and any health questions you have so you can get focused care.
