Have you skipped a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider because you couldn’t fit it into your busy schedule? Like many other busy people, you may be wondering how to find time to take care of your health.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, access to high-quality primary care can prevent minor health problems from escalating into chronic diseases and visits to emergency rooms. A strong relationship with your primary care provider is linked to better quality of life and life expectancy.

1 – I can’t take time off from work for a doctor’s visit.

Telehealth is a convenient and effective option for busy people like you to take care of your health. You need to see your doctor more often but not necessarily in person. 90% of your preventive, acute or chronic health concerns can be treated via telehealth. You can be at home, at work, or anywhere convenient for you. You don’t waste time traveling back and forth and your visits are on time.

2 – It’s hard to get an appointment to see my doctor when I’m available.

You may want easy access to your healthcare provider 7 days a week with appointments available before and after working hours. You may be dreaming about having your provider’s cell number for contact between visits. Well, these options are actually available out there and you can have access to your provider on your terms.

3 – I want to lose weight, improve my diet before going to see my doctor.

You may feel that you’ll be judged by your current health issues. You may be afraid your concerns may be dismissed. Your healthcare provider should be your partner in health caring for you with respect, dignity, and compassion. Reaching out to your provider may help you achieve your goals faster and keep results long term.

4 – I’m afraid to do a checkup and receive bad news.

You may be avoiding necessary tests because you’re scared of the results. Actually, most tests results are not life threatening. And if you have some scary results you’re not alone, your healthcare provider will walk with you each step of the way. Most preventable diseases have the best outcomes when treated earlier.

5 – I’m worried about tests cost and the time to do them.

If you have high-deductible health insurance, or you don’t have insurance, cost may be a barrier to checking your health. You may want to get an estimate of how much each test will cost in advance. Some preventive diagnostic tests can be done for free before deducible is met. Also, special discounts may apply for self-pay. You can do your tests one at a time according to your finances and time available. Your healthcare provider will help you prioritize them.

6 – I don’t know where to go for my lab work or tests ordered.

Ask for help, your primary care provider should help coordinate your care, including tests and referral to specialists or other levels of care. You don’t have to go through the frustration of navigating the complicated healthcare system by yourself.

7 – I’m generally in good health; I don’t need to see a doctor.

Regular preventive care is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Studies show a strong doctor-patient relationship improves patient well-being. Going to urgent care and emergency rooms, instead of your primary care provider results in higher costs and poorer health. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you may want to find one that you trust and feel a good connection.

Primary care should be patient-centered, comprehensive, accessible, safe, and coordinated, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Primary care excellence includes care received in the right place, at the right time, and in the manner that best suits a patient’s needs.

I’m here for you!