I’ve been a primary care doctor for 35 years. Over my career, I’ve seen patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. My patients have taught me a lot about how our health care needs evolve over time.
In 2021, 10 percent of adult women reported they did not have a primary care doctor. It’s common for women to consider their OB/GYN or other specialty doctor as their primary care doctor, especially if they are pregnant or have newborn children. While it’s great that women feel as though their needs are being met in the specialty care settings, they need to know that complete care, provided by a primary care provider becomes more important as they get older.
Over 80% of women aged 55 or older have a chronic health condition, and 21% of women 55 or older have three or more chronic conditions according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a Village Medical™ doctor, I care services for women of all ages. Taking care of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and COPD is preventive care and leads to a decrease in ER visits and hospitalizations.
Here are some of the most common questions I get from my patients about women’s health and preventive care. Keep these in mind for your next visit with your primary care doctor.
What preventive care am I eligible for now or in the near future?
When you have an appointment with your primary care doctor, you can expect to receive testing for prediabetes and high blood pressure, screenings for skin cancer, and, if you are at risk, screening for pulmonary and vascular issues, in addition to regular vaccinations and screenings. There are guidelines for when both men and women should start receiving certain screenings, and your doctor can discuss them during your visit. For women, this includes screenings for breast and cervical cancer, as well as bone density tests for osteoporosis.
The American Cancer Society recommends women be screened for cervical cancer starting at age 25 and start receiving annual mammograms for breast cancer screenings at age 40 through 70. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends routine bone mineral density screenings for women over 65 who have been through menopause due to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
How do my symptoms and family history factor into my preventive care?
If you have symptoms that are causing concern, be sure to bring those up during your annual physical appointment or wellness visit. It’s important to share any symptoms and concerns with your doctor so they can determine the best way to care for you. When you see a doctor for the first time, they’ll usually ask questions about your family’s health history. For example, if you know your grandmother on your mother’s side had breast cancer, be sure to tell them. They may be able to offer more specific screening and testing recommendations based on your family history, current health, and long-term needs.
What reproductive health services can I receive from my primary care doctor?
I always say that we as primary care doctors can take care of 85% of your medical problems. Your family medicine doctor can provide many of the same services as your OB/GYN like annual gynecologic exams, contraception counseling, hormone replacement, evaluating abnormal PAP smears, and even pregnancy care. If you have other gynecologic or pregnancy-related health concerns, your primary care team can work with your OB/GYN to make sure you’re receiving the best possible care.
How often should I make an appointment to see you?
Building a relationship with your doctor is important for your overall health and well-being. Regular visits, including an annual physical exam or wellness visit, will help you stay healthy and avoid emergency situations. During this visit, your health needs will be evaluated, and your care will be changed accordingly. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about everything from nutrition to sleep to mental health. We’re here to help you live your healthiest life.
Looking for a primary care provider? Make an appointment with a provider at Village Medical today.