You eat healthy food, exercise regularly, limit your stress, and it’s been years since the last time you got sick. That said, you might think that you don’t need to see a primary care physician to keep your health in check. But doing all the right things for your body doesn’t make you immune to health problems. Here’s why it’s still worth having a primary care physician.

Why Do You Need a Primary Care Physician?

1. Health Record 

If you only make sporadic visits to the doctor, you can lose track of issues that might allude to future health problems. Your primary care physician can help you gather records from their office as well as other physicians you visit. Of course, you’ll need to tell them about visits to another doctor so they can add them to your record. Your primary care physician can also include a record of your family health history, which can help you know if you have a genetic predisposition to a specific disease. They may also document medications you used in the past as well as ones you are currently taking, which can help prevent possible complications from using multiple prescription drugs at the same time.

2. Early Diagnosis

Your primary care physician does several screenings each time you visit. These could include a blood pressure test or a blood test to check your iron intake. Undergoing regular testing helps to catch potential health problems before they get out of hand. While you don’t need a primary care physician for a health screening, your physician already knows your health history and conditions that are more likely to affect you. Also, with yearly visits, you establish a rapport with the physician, and they don’t just test you, but also serve as your health advocate.

3. Lower Costs

Though routine visits may seem like a waste of time or money, they allow you to catch health issues early that would otherwise go unnoticed and result in expensive medical bills. For instance, numbness in the arms and legs could be a precursor to a stroke. A doctor could tell you what steps to take to prevent such a condition. Furthermore, your insurance probably already covers preventative care, so take advantage of it.

A primary care physician can be a vital ally in maintaining your health. For your next medical checkup, visit Kona-Kohala Health Care Services in Hawaii. Dr. Donald Nikaitani & Dr. Richard Pekala will be happy to help you with any of your medical concerns. They can take your blood work, give you a flu shot, treat chronic conditions, among other services. Schedule an appointment by calling (808) 329-1346 or go online to find out why they are one of the most trusted health facilities in the area.