Any one-on-one time with your primary care provider (PCP) is your opportunity to get your health checked and questions answered. For many, this happens during the annual wellness visit.
This yearly routine check-up is an important part of preventive care, as it allows your PCP to identify any potential health issues early on and provide treatment before they become more serious.
If you’re feeling off – say something. Any new habits? Tell them about it. Do you have a physical or mental health concern? Confide in them so they can work with you on solutions.
Remember, your PCP’s main goal is to support you, but it is harder for them to help if they don’t know what is happening in your life.
We turned to Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, to further explain what the relationship with your PCP should look like.
Q&A
Q: Should you only see your PCP when you are sick?
A: No, your primary care provider isn't just there to help you when you are feeling sick with illnesses like the flu. Your PCP can also support you through preventive care and help manage chronic conditions.
Q: How often should you see your PCP?
A: How often you should see your primary care prover can depend on your age and overall health. Generally, it’s recommended that healthy adults see their PCP at least once a year for a wellness visit. Your PCP can help you stay up to date on your immunizations, including the COVID-19 bivalent booster and your annual wellness influenza shot.
You can also visit your PCP if you have questions about your health or want to take steps to get healthier.
Q: What can you expect at an annual wellness visit?
A: What happens during your annual wellness visit will differ depending on your age and health conditions, but you can expect your provider to ask you how you're feeling both mentally and physically.
Your provider may also examine your body, order blood tests, talk about your results, collect your vitals including weight and blood pressure, and give you a chance to ask questions or talk about any changes since your last visit. At this visit, your provider may also ask you about your vaccination status and recommend vaccines you should get based on your age and health conditions.
Q: What should you share with your PCP?
A: If you are experiencing any mental or physical health concerns, you should share the details of those concerns with your primary care provider during your visit. I also recommend thinking about any changes to your health since you last saw your provider, so you can talk about those as well. It may be helpful to make a list of your questions and concerns to bring with you to your appointment.
Q: So, you can go to your PCP with emotional and mental health concerns in addition to physical?
A: Yes, you can. Most of us know that primary care providers treat illnesses from the flu and sore throats to chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. But their goal is to treat your whole health, not just your ailment. Your PCP is trained and ready to help you with behavioral health issues.
For example, if you have diabetes, your PCP will do far more than check your blood sugar and watch for complications. Your PCP can also help you cope with the emotional challenges of living with diabetes: watching your diet, making time to exercise, managing medicine, and more. Because your emotions can affect your health and how you take care of yourself, your PCP is also a crucial source of support if you are struggling with things like the loss of a loved one or a sensitive personal issue. Your PCP can also connect you to another healthcare provider like a therapist or counselor.
Q: How do I choose a doctor that is right for me?
A: Having a PCP you trust makes managing your health easier with support for preventive care, routine illnesses, and chronic conditions.
If you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) member, you can find a doctor by clicking ‘Search for a Provider’ on our website’s home page. Or you can call the number on the back of your insurance card and a representative will help you find providers in your area.
Getting recommendations from your family and friends is also a great way to start narrowing down a list of providers. When choosing a doctor, you should consider whether their office is close by, if their hours work for you, and if you can easily talk to them. You can also ask if the provider offers telehealth appointments if that is something that works for your health needs.
Don’t forget to schedule your annual check-up! If you want to learn more about annual wellness visits and how your PCP can help you, visit: What you can expect at your annual wellness visit | AZBlue
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare providers regarding medical care or treatment, as recommendations, services or resources are not a substitute for the advice or recommendation of an individual's physician or healthcare provider. Services or treatment options may not be covered under an individual's particular health plan.