IU Health Primary Care physician shares the importance of annual appointments

IU Health Primary Care Physician Mike Teague, MD

​It’s always a good time of year to recommit yourself to your health, starting with an annual appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) for a routine preventative visit.
 
“Even if you are not feeling poorly or experiencing any new concerns, an annual checkup with your primary care provider can be life saving,” said IU Health Bloomington primary care physician Mike Teague, MD. “It also provides an opportunity to learn about areas of your overall health that you may be able to focus on as you move into the new year.”
 
During these appointments, providers ensure patients are up to date on routine screening recommendations, any necessary lab work and important vaccinations.
 
“All of these elements play a critical role in preventing long term medical problems,” shared Dr. Teague. “Relying on your primary care provider to help guide you—rather than trying to keep track of these recommendations on your own—is extremely helpful, as they are specifically trained to navigate these complex guidelines which can be affected by age, risk factors and family history.”

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The visit’s physical exam can help identify subtle abnormalities that may prompt additional testing.
 
“Early identification often leads to treatment before a condition becomes urgent or emergent, and diagnosing and managing medical issues early is always beneficial,” said Dr. Teague.
 
Routine visits are also good times to discuss healthcare goals, including smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption, becoming more physically active or adopting a more balanced diet. Your PCP can give tips and may recommend experts to provide specialized support for your individual goals—such as registered dietitians, physical therapists and personal trainers.
 
These pieces of the annual visit help with the creation of a care plan for the year, so you can better understand what to expect and when to reach out for help.
 
“While some symptoms are inherently more concerning than others and can be medical emergencies, a general rule of thumb is that any new problem lasting more than 7 – 10 days warrants a call to your PCP for guidance,” added Dr. Teague.
 
Primary care providers are your partners throughout your life journey. They’ve dedicated their lives to helping others and are here to help guide you toward your individual goals, while taking into account your individual circumstances and needs.
 
“This partnership is the foundation of delivering on our promise of providing the best care designed with you,” said Dr.  Teague.
 
You can visit iuhealth.org/find-providers to search for a PCP by location, specialty and profile.