92% of U.S. residents say it’s important to get an annual physical with their healthcare provider, but only 62% say they actually get an annual health check-up, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey. Preventive care is extremely important for early detection of health-related issues that could occur from your lifestyle, diet, stress, psychological health, family history, body measurements, and more.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Paul Bernitt, Director at Trivita Clinic of Integrative Medicine in Scottsdale says preventive care should remain a top priority for patients.
Why Preventive Care is so Important
Bernitt says preventive care is essential for three key reasons:
• Early detection of illnesses
• Reversal of lifestyle-related risk factors
• Opportunity to discuss health goals and what can be done to improve a patient’s overall health
“There is often not enough time to have these conversations at a problem-focused visit,” Bernitt says.
He says during COVID-19 it’s even more important to have your annual health check-up, as it gives your doctor the opportunity to share information on how to improve your immune system and keep it strong, use PPE effectively, and ensure all medications and treatments are working.
Preventive Care Options Available to You During COVID-19
1. Telehealth
Many practices are now offering telehealth services for people who do not feel comfortable scheduling an in-person visit. If you are an ACN member, you can find our list of in-network telehealth providers on our website.
“Telehealth visits are safe, effective, and easy. If using tele-video is too difficult for someone, we can schedule phone call visits for that person,” Bernitt said. “If you are a vulnerable patient, there is no reason to risk going into public and unnecessarily exposing yourself or other vulnerable people who you may come in contact with.”
He says their practice is currently doing 70% of visits by telephone or televideo visits. They have adapted to this new process and are now seamlessly conducting this style of appointment.
The following services are available via telehealth:
• Follow up, problem-focused visits for established patients
• Annual physicals
• New patient visits
2. In-Person Visits
In-person visits are still an option at most offices if you prefer to see your primary care provider in person. Most practices are taking extra safety precautions to keep patients safe during in-person visits. Bernitt says their practice is currently using the following methods:
• Personal protective equipment such as n-95 mask and latex gloves
• Sterilization of waiting areas and patient rooms
• Moving patients into exam rooms quickly
• Practicing social distancing in the lobby
• Requesting patients who are vulnerable, sick and who have traveled to schedule telephone or televideo visits
• Offering COVID-19 swab and antibody testing
You can always ask your provider’s office what they’re doing to keep patients safe from COVID-19 when you call to schedule your appointment. Methods may vary from practice to practice, but will likely be very similar to the safety procedures listed above.
When to Schedule Your Annual Health Check Up
If you haven’t seen your doctor in over a year, you should get an appointment scheduled as soon as possible to make sure you stay current on preventive health screenings. Need help finding a primary care provider? If you are an ACN member, you can use our Find A Doc tool online or call our concierge at 602.406.7226.
