When you need healthcare, where you go depends on the type of care you need. In a true emergency, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room. But, keep in mind that the emergency room is for emergencies. If you end up there for a minor issue, you’re going to have to wait … Continue reading Should you go to the doctor, walk-in clinic, urgent care or ER?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is an effective health benefit for keeping the senior population healthy as they age. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is free of charge for people with Medicare Part B and is a great way for you to connect with your primary care physician. Completing your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit … Continue reading How to make the most of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
An X-ray, also known as radiography, is a common imaging test ordered by a physician to help diagnose, monitor and treat many medical conditions. But what is an X-ray, really? Here’s everything you need to know about getting an X-ray, and what to expect if your doctor orders one. How X-ray imaging works The most … Continue reading What to expect during an X-ray
A diagnosis of cancer is life changing. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the questions and worries: Am I going to be okay? How do I tell my loved ones I have cancer? Where do I even start? Beginning at your time of diagnosis, there are many decisions to be made about treatment and … Continue reading How nurse and patient navigators make your cancer journey easier
Those who have visited an emergency room are no stranger to how waiting can feel in times of uncertainty. But what you might not realize is there are a lot of things working for you in the background as you wait. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect — the things you’ll see and those … Continue reading ER wait times: Behind the scenes in an ER
In a national survey, 89 percent of Americans agreed it’s important to have a relationship with a physician who knows their family medical history and health background. So why is it that, despite this statistic, a significant percentage of Americans do not have a primary care doctor, the first point of contact for your health … Continue reading Why you should have a primary care physician
A primary care physician, or primary care doctor, is your first stop when you are sick or in need of healthcare services —including your annual physical, immunizations, prescription refills, cold or flu symptoms, a sore throat, minor injuries, back pain or even suspected broken bones. Your primary care doctor promotes your overall well-being and makes … Continue reading What is a primary care physician and why do I have a care team?
Retail health centers, urgent care facilities and freestanding emergency rooms sprouting around the United States may be equipped to treat minor illness and injury. But patients experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, which might signal a heart attack, should go straight to an emergency room in a hospital. Here are some reasons why. When … Continue reading What to expect when you go to the ED with chest pain
Thanks to modern medicine, we have more than 7,000 genetic tests that can potentially identify red flags for certain diseases. Genetic testing is not perfect — it can’t guarantee answers to all our health questions — but it’s a useful tool that can help arm us with information to consider when making health-related decisions. There … Continue reading 6 things you should know about genetic testing
As family medicine physicians, we know going to the doctor can be nerve-wracking. Some may even find it intimidating or confusing — but it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little preparation and open communication, you can leave the visit feeling confident about your health and future. Next time you see your doctor, … Continue reading How to make the most of your next doctor’s visit
