Most people have semi-regular checkups with their physician in Winter Haven or wherever they live. But it's not common to prepare adequately for the doctor's visit. However, since you don't see your doctor very often, it's a good idea to ask questions. This helps you understand more about the healthcare you receive and can even prevent illnesses in the future. What's Your Biggest Risk? Most doctors won't be able to accurately predict which patient will get cancer or suffer from diabetes during their lifetime. However, a good doctor should be able to examine your personal risk factors and help you understand what type of problems might come your way. Your personal risk factors are made up of a combination of genetics and family history, as well as your weight, diet, and personal lifestyle decisions. If a certain disease runs in your family, then you can only protect yourself by making appropriate diet and lifestyle decisions. On the other hand, you can easily become diabetic even if nobody else in your family has the disease if you don't take care of yourself. How Serious Is It? Whether your physician diagnoses you with diabetes, cancer, or a urinary tract infection, you need to know how serious it is. Nobody likes to give other people bad news, but as a patient you have to fully understand what's going on even if you don't want to hear it. Regardless of the diagnosis, you're going to want to find out more about your treatment options, prescriptions, and your future prognosis. When does the doctor expect your condition to improve, and when do you need to come back for a follow-up appointment? What Are Your Numbers? You won't be sick every time you go to the doctor as long as you participate in regular checkups. On the bright side, if you're not going to the doctor because you're sick, then that's the best time to talk about your health. In order to find out how healthy you are, your doctor is going to want to get a blood sample in addition to performing some other basic tests. In addition to paying attention to how you feel, your doctor can use the test results to find out more about your health. Things like blood pressure, blood cell count, hormone levels, and glucose levels can help your doctor understand your health. But it's a really good idea to get a printout of that information to have as a reference and comparison later on. Are Your Prescriptions Current? Many people take prescription drugs on a regular basis. Whether it's something as simple as thyroid hormones or something more complicated like heart medication, it's important to make sure you're on the most current dosage. Depending on the drug, you may need regular blood tests to determine whether your dosage is still appropriate. It's also a good idea to take a look at all of your prescriptions together, especially when you're switching doctors. Does one prescription interact negatively with the other? Do you need less of one prescription because you're taking something else, too? Do You Need a Specialist? Your primary doctor should always be consulted first unless it's a medical emergency. They have all of your health information at their fingertips, and they have known you for years. However, in some cases, you might need the assistance of a specialist. There is nothing wrong with consulting with a specialist. And your primary physician in Winter Haven is probably the best source for specialist referrals. This way you can also be sure that your doctor is kept up to date on your diagnosis and treatment.
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