For many of us, we typically call our private GP any time we don’t feel well. We also call our dentist when we have a toothache, our eye doctor for vision trouble, and our ENT doctor for just about anything else above our shoulders. But how often should we see them for a routine check-up to make sure that everything is working the way it should and there aren’t any future problems ahead? While we call our private GP when something is wrong, we should also make an appointment to make sure that we are healthy.
And, with that being said, we are going to take a look at just how often we should see different kinds of doctors:
Primary Care Doctor- you should see your primary care doctor at least once a year. Experts recommend an annual appointment with your primary care practitioner as he or she is the ‘gatekeeper of your health care and medical history.’ An annual physical exam should include preventive services such as screenings for high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. You will also receive counselling about your health habits and setting long-term health goals.
The OB/GYN- women should see their OB/GYN at least once a year. Seeing your Obstetrician/Gynaecologist annually ensures that you receive important tests for STI’s and cancer screenings. You will receive a pelvic exam to look for any abnormalities and your OB/GYN will address your sexual and reproductive health.
Dermatologist- once you become a certain age, you need to start seeing a dermatologist at least once a year or as often as your doctor recommends. A dermatologist will address any skin cancer risk factors that you might have including having fair skin, light eyes or hair, a large number of moles, irregular moles, a family history of skin cancer, skin that burns or freckles easily, and a history of sun exposure and damage.
Dentist- everyone should see their dentist at least once a year. For the majority of people, one to two yearly visits to the dentist are recommended so your dentist can check for cavities, gum disease, and any issues relating to your oral health.
Contact Northway Clinic
To learn more about how often you need to see different kinds of doctors, contact Northway Clinic today and speak to a healthcare professional who can answer any questions you might have.
If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.