As you age, you will likely need to see a doctor more often. You may have more health problems and take more medications. You may also need help managing chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or cancer. This is where primary care South Charleston comes in.
Primary care is the kind of care you get from a family doctor, general practitioner, or pediatrician. It differs from specialty care, which is the care you get from a doctor specializing in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiology or dermatology.
When you visit a primary care doctor, the doctor will get to know you and your health history. This doctor can be your main point of contact for your healthcare needs. The doctor can also answer your questions, coordinate your care, and refer you to specialists if needed.
These are some of the services you can expect from a primary care doctor:
- Health screenings: These screenings can detect problems early before they become serious.
- Immunizations: These shots help you stay healthy by preventing infections and diseases.
- Wellness visits are yearly checkups to help you stay healthy and identify any health risks.
- Management of chronic conditions: A primary care doctor can help you manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
- Acute care: This is the care you need for an illness or injury that is not life-threatening.
If you are a senior citizen, here is a detailed explanation of the benefits you can enjoy from primary care:
Better management of chronic conditions
As you age, you are more likely to develop a chronic disease. Chronic disease is a long-term illness that can be managed but not cured. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are chronic diseases. Approximately 80% of senior citizens have at least one chronic disease.
Primary care can help you manage chronic diseases. Your primary care doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan. This plan may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet, and medications. A primary care doctor can also coordinate your care and refer you to specialists.
Fewer hospitalizations
Chronic diseases can lead to hospitalizations. This is because these diseases can make it hard for you to take care of yourself. For example, if you have diabetes, you may need to go to the hospital if your blood sugar gets too low or too high. Or, if you have heart disease, you may need to go to the hospital if you have a heart attack.
Primary care can help you avoid hospitalizations. Your primary care doctor can manage your chronic diseases and make sure they are under control. This can prevent complications that lead to hospitalization.
Better overall health
Primary care can help you live a healthier life. Your primary care doctor can provide screenings for conditions such as cancer and high blood pressure. These screenings can detect problems early when they are easier to treat.
Your primary care doctor can also provide immunizations. These shots help you stay healthy by preventing infections and diseases. In addition, your primary care doctor can help you make lifestyle changes to improve your health. For example, if you smoke, your primary care doctor can help you quit.
If you are a senior citizen, schedule an appointment with Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc.
