5 Reasons To See Your Doctor (Even When You Feel Fine)

Date: 05/15/18

Usually, when we see our doctor, it’s because we don’t feel well. But seeing your doctor even when you feel fine can be even more important than doing it when you’re sick. Here are 5 reasons you should see your doctor even when you’re feeling healthy:

You have a chronic illness.

When you have a chronic condition like diabetes or asthma that requires you to take medicine regularly, it’s important to see your doctor on a regular basis. This will help your doctor track how well your medicines are working for you. It also gives you a chance to ask your doctor about things you can do to help improve your health.

Something in your family medical history has changed.

Your family medical history plays an important role in your own health. If someone in your close family has been diagnosed with a condition like breast cancer or colon cancer, you need to talk to your doctor about it. Having this information helps your doctor make sure you’re getting the right health screenings, which will help to identify problems early when they’re easier to treat.

You are doing something new to improve your health.

Have you started a diet? Are you exercising more? Are you trying to quit smoking? Any time you do something new to make a difference in your health, you need to talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor can help you make good decisions about your health and give you information to help you meet your goals.

You haven’t seen your doctor in a long time.

If it’s been more than a year since you’ve seen your doctor, you need to schedule a well visit soon. At a well visit, your doctor will do routine tests like check your blood pressure, and make sure you’re current on your vaccinations. These are small things that can have a big impact on your health because your doctor can help you identify problems while they are still easy to treat.

You have that one small problem.

Small problems can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition. Maybe that funny-shaped mole has suddenly become very large. Maybe your knee has been bothering you. Maybe you’re getting lots of headaches lately. Whatever the symptom, it’s important not to wait to talk to your doctor about it.

Need help scheduling an appointment?

We’re here to help! If you need to locate a doctor near you, try our free, online Provider Locator tool. You can also call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday, for help finding a doctor or changing your doctor.

And don’t forget – as a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, you can also schedule a free ride to your doctor’s appointment, even to urgent care! 

Bonus: Get rewarded for seeing your doctor! Learn more about our rewards program.