Doctor, It's Been Too Long

Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or pre-diabetes that may not have symptoms can be easily detected at a doctor’s visit. Get check-ups even when you feel well so you can stay well. If you take medication, your doctor will want to discuss if you are still taking the medicine regularly, if it is still needed and if the dose needs to be changed. 

Here are a few concerns that may be holding you back:

• Getting to a doctor’s appointment is hard without transportation. Some areas have programs to help, or mobile health clinics may be an option. 
• If it takes too long to get in to see the doctor, ask for a telemedicine appointment, join the appointment cancellation list or ask if a nurse practitioner or physician assistant is available.  
• Ask questions in advance about treatment costs and what your insurance covers. There are health clinics and community health centers throughout the country providing care for people without insurance or worried about costs.

Has it been too long since your child’s last checkup? Annual check-ups with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional are critical for a child’s development. It’s where you can be sure your child is receiving the recommended or required immunizations(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window), track growth progress and address any health concerns you or your child might have.

If your child is like many who may be scared of the doctor, reassure your child that the doctor is there to help them be healthy and ask your child if they have any questions or worries about the visit. Helping your child to understand, how important visits to the doctor are can help them establish healthy lifelong habits to lower their risk for heart disease and stroke.