Five Reasons To Make That Well Visit Appointment

3/22/2021

Kirksville, MO – If you’ve put off seeing your doctor for fear of catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus, Northeast Regional Medical Group wants you to know it’s safe and important to come in.

Precautions for your safety include masking of all patients and providers, checking temperature of all clinic visitors, screening questionnaire at check in, separating sick visits to different parts of the building and socially distancing in the lobby.

“We are seeing patients who are putting off the care they need to avoid coming into the clinic,” said Maura Gerdes, D.O., FACOI, internal medicine. “It is important for patients to stay on top of any pre-existing conditions they may have and to be proactive in addressing other issues as they arise. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for patients to receive care.”

Here are five reasons to make an appointment for your next well-visit or check-up without delay.

1. Check on your general health. The clinic has a record of your health metrics over time, including cholesterol, blood sugar, weight and others. If any numbers are trending in the wrong direction, your doctor can help you make a plan to get back on track with lifestyle changes, diet or medical treatment.

2. Manage chronic conditions. Ongoing medical concerns, whether diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or others require regular monitoring by a provider to keep them from progressing to life-threatening levels. Regular checkups can help you avoid a medical crisis.

3. Identify issues early with routine screenings. The practice keeps records of your screening exams to help you remember when it’s time to get your colonoscopy, mammogram, bone density test, prostate exam and other screenings. Early identification of many illnesses can give you the most options for treatment and better outcomes.

4. Stay current on vaccinations for your protection. While you’re hearing plenty of news about the COVID-19 vaccine, there are a number of other vaccinations to prevent disease as your immune system weakens over time. Flu shots annually. Tetanus shots every ten years. Vaccines for shingles and pneumonia and more. The practice will remind you when it’s time to get your immunizations.

5. Keep prescriptions updated. Bring a full list of your medications, including any over-the-counter, so your physician has a complete picture of what you’re taking. An annual review can identify possible side effects or medication conflicts.

Of course, the best reason of all is peace of mind about your health. Northeast Regional Medical Group providers offer in person appointments at our conveniently located clinic at 1607 S. Baltimore, Kirksville, and also provide Telehealth appointments when appropriate.

If you need help finding a primary care physician, call (660) 785-1319 or visit https://www.northeastspecialtygroup.com/ to be connected with one of Northeast Regional Medical Group’s qualified internal medicine.

Northeast Regional Medical Center is owned, in part, by physicians.

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Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-your-annual-check-up-is-still-important-to-your-health
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html

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