Consistently participating in all kinds of medical service, is necessary to maintaining good health and longevity. Routine check-ups and other medical evaluations conducted by your family doctor can detect irregularities, symptoms, and potential concerns early and provide a plan on how to receive the best treatment available. However, many people often make mistakes in fully taking advantage of their primary care physician once they have chosen one.

Because you’ve already conducted hours of research and paperwork, possibly even phone calls to find the right family practice doctor, don’t make the same mistakes many people make once they’ve selected their primary physician.

Prevent These Medical Service Mistakes With Your Family Doctor:

1 – Not Participating in an Annual Visit

Consistently participating in an annual check-up with your primary care physician is not an inconvenience – for you or them. These appointments are recommended for your best interest as it gives you the opportunity to build a healthy relationship with your doctor. Connecting with your doctor will build connection and create a space for open communication. The more personable the relationship is with your family doctor, the more helpful they can become in your long-term healthcare plan. If not, the outcome could be a lot worse costing you more money and time at the clinic. 

Being an advocate for your health, a general teacher, and side-line coach your doctor can evaluate your wellness. Get the peace of mind you desire as you are maintaining healthy habits and proactive in your healthcare.

To maintain strength and energy, you should visit with your doctor at least annually. In-person interactions and regularly scheduled visits allow you to ask questions, get lab work completed, and become relieved of any aches and pains. Your physician can better understand you by asking about your daily routines, habits, and healthcare history. Whether it be physical or mental health, your doctor can recommend different types of health services to allow you to consistently feel at your best.

2 – Assuming Lab or Test Results Are “Normal”

Regarding lab or test results, you might have assumed “no news is good news” but this can be far from the truth. It is possible that this is actually an oversight in evaluation because your family doctor has too many patients to maintain consistent and individualized communication. 

Abnormal test results are common, but not often communicated to the patient, sometimes even resulting in a lawsuit. The complexity and significance of lab testing and results is extensive and should not be ignored or considered “fine”. 

To receive essential information about your healthcare, contact your doctor about lab or test services. Don’t risk the possibility of abnormal test results and delaying the assistance you need. Prior to completing lab tests, ask your primary physician what type of test a medical assistant will conduct, when the results will be complete, and how you will receive the results. Take note of the answers and continually follow-up until you get the information you need. Ensure your doctor doesn’t just treat you like another number, but has your best interest in mind.

3 – Not Receiving the Healthcare Services Needed Due to Copay or Hidden Administrative Fees

Preventing yourself from getting the services and medical attention you need whether you are sick, injured, or in an accident because you can’t afford the copay or office fees can be detrimental to your overall health.

You should use your resources, including your healthcare professional and not be punished for it because your health should be your primary focus. Delaying services can lead to more severe diagnosis and in turn cost you more financially with consistent visits and getting quality care.

Knowing your out-of-pocket limit, copay, and the specifics of your insurance plan might help you estimate the cost of an office visit before going.

4 – Agreeing to be Evaluated by Another Provider

In extreme circumstances or emergencies, you might have to be evaluated by another healthcare professional, but this service generally should not be conducted. Your primary care doctor should evaluate and assist you in receiving the list of medical services you need because they know you personally.

Visiting your doctor will help save you time as you will not be caught explaining past medical procedures, history, or treatment plans to a new doctor.

A family practice doctor, or MD or DO, completes extensive amounts of education, research, and procedures to effectively treat patients. With a minimum of four years of medical school, three years of residency training in addition to annual required Continuing Medical Education your doctor knows how to best treat your condition.

There is a difference between receiving care from a specialized medical provider or receiving a second opinion. It is important however, that you feel comfortable enough with your primary care physician to know that they have your best intentions in mind and will suggest specialized care outside of their office when necessary.

5 – Lack of Communication

If your questions never get answered by your doctor because they are too caught up with administrative tasks or evaluating too many patients, consider finding a new family practice doctor. Your questions and answers to them are vital to your health.

Communication is vital to the amount of care you receive. You deserve both a physician and medical assistant that spend more time understanding you and your health needs then the paperwork that’s required of them.

Once you’ve found the perfect doctor for you and your family, utilize their expertise, training, and education in helping you get on track. Participate in annual visits by asking questions about your healthcare and how to get results. Set goals with your doctor and settle for nothing less than excellent care. 

A Direct Primary Care Provider — Elevated Health in Huntington Beach, CA

Avoid the common mistakes other patients make when it comes to their family doctor with a specialized doctor at Elevated Health. Located in Huntington Beach, CA Elevated Health is a direct primary care (DPC) clinic providing quality patient medical evaluation services. 

With a clear pricing model, shorter wait times, consistent access to your doctor, and telemedical services – you will be the leader of your own health.

DPC is a modern model of healthcare services and wants to provide continuity of care. Seeing fewer patients, valuing patient-doctor relationships, and passionate about healthcare, we hope you will join our community on your pathway to good health. Challenging traditional medical care techniques and practices, we removed the middle man by offering an affordable membership program. DPC allows you to be in control of your healthcare and have a medical family to go to when you need it the most.

Receive Medical Service at Elevated Health in Huntington Beach, Today!

About the Author

Matthew Abinante is a board-certified family physician providing direct primary care to patients of all ages. Offering excellent care, diagnosis, and techniques, he continually participates in educational opportunities to best serve his patients. Working in Huntington Beach, he analyzes common aches and pains, proposes innovative treatment plans, and provides specialized services for each individual patient. 

After excelling for years, Matthew received his DO and MPH from Touro University in Vallejo, CA. Matthew completed his residency training at PIH Health Hospital in Downey, CA, where he became a board-certified and trusted family physician who values patient-doctor relationships and clear communication.