Inspira Health Network

A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR CAN BE THE BEST FRIEND YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD. DO YOU HAVE ONE? Primary care is often called the front line of health. Primary care doctors — family medicine physicians, pediatricians, geriatricians, internists and gynecologists — and nurse practitioners, who also provide primary care, are often the first people you visit when you're sick. They know how an illness or condition can influence both your immediate and long-term health. According to a growing body of research, people who visit their primary care physicians regularly are less likely to have conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, go undiagnosed. As a result, they're less likely to die from cancer, heart disease or stroke. "Primary care physicians offer a very comprehensive, preventive approach to care," said Christopher Trotz, M.D., executive medical director of employed physicians for Inspira Medical Group. "They're not just looking at things like immunizations you may need. They're helping you design a personalized health plan that matches your health goals and connecting you with the resources you need to reach them." Teaching and Helping An important part of a primary care physician's job is to educate you about: • Personal risk factors for disease, including prior conditions that may affect your health in the future • How your family history affects your risk for certain diseases • Screenings and tests you may need based on health history • Prevention, including exercise and nutritional advice If you have a chronic condition, such as asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure, your doctor will help you manage it. Ultimately, that could save you money. One study found that patients were 35 percent less likely to end up in the hospital and paid as much as 15 percent less for their health care if their doctors offered a comprehensive range of primary care services. Finding the Right Match Primary care physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions, including those that need to be treated by a specialist. When you need more targeted care, your provider can help you find a specialist and work with that doctor to coordinate treatment, Dr. Trotz said. Your insurance company can direct you to providers covered under your health plan, and once you get a few names, ask yourself the following questions: 30s. Priorities: Balanced nutrition, knowing your numbers, reproductive health Eating healthy now can prevent problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, later. Visit a primary care physician every year to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years, re-evaluate their birth control method at age 35 (some forms can increase the risk of heart problems for women older than that), and discuss recommendations for Pap tests with an OB/GYN. 40s. Priorities: Breast and prostate health, exercise All women should begin annual clinical breast exams and mammograms at age 40. Women at increased risk should ask their doctors about starting mammograms earlier and whether they may need additional or more frequent exams. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends 40-year-old men at highest risk for prostate cancer discuss screenings with a doctor. Exercise becomes a vital component of heart health, as do yearly blood pressure and cholesterol checks and eating a healthy diet. physicians offer a very comprehensive, Prevention, including exercise and nutritional advice A DECADE-BY-DECADE GUIDE Gateway to Better Christopher Trotz, M.D. 4 Summer/Fall 2016 Inspira Health Network Family & Friends + You

• Cover