This year, Hartford HealthCare is recognizing national Primary Care Week by shining a spotlight on the indispensable role primary care plays in the lives of our patients and our communities.

Primary care providers — who can be doctors, Physician Assistants or Advanced Practice Nurses — prevent, diagnose and treat general health conditions throughout your life. They have a wide spectrum of knowledge about all the physical, psychological and social conditions that affect you, and typically serve as your first point of contact with a healthcare system to address any problems or concerns. If they determine a more serious condition exists with a specific organ or body part, you’ll be referred to a specialist.

Importance of annual exams

Even if you’re feeling fine and aren’t experiencing any health issues, it’s important to continue visiting your primary care provider for annual exams.

Especially since many people’s routine healthcare was disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic. This makes it even more important now, than ever before, to reestablish care with your primary care provider and give him or her an opportunity to understand your current needs.

Routine health screenings given at the yearly visits could provide early detection of unknown problems. Your provider can work with you to develop healthcare goals specifically for you, as well as strategies for achieving them. As your provider gains a greater knowledge of your health, they can offer more personalized care, helping you live a healthier, happier life.

What to expect at your annual exam

With your initial visit to a primary care provider, they’ll want to get a clear understanding of your specific healthcare needs. It’s typical for them to ask questions about your:

medical history, current health concerns, medications, family health history.

Based on your age, gender and health-related information, you may receive routine health screenings for obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or other common diseases.

What questions should you ask at your annual exam

Your annual exam is also the perfect opportunity for you to speak with your primary care provider and get expert medical guidance. Prior to your visit, spend some time preparing questions about your overall health, which could include:

Does my family history put me at risk?

Am I getting enough sleep?

Is my weight ok?

Am I current with all my vaccinations?

Do I still need all of my prescriptions?

Don’t wait to schedule

If you’re not feeling well, you don’t need to wait until your annual exam to see your provider. You should schedule an appointment whenever you’re experiencing out-of-the-ordinary pain or discomfort, such as headaches, back pain, stomach pain, or difficulty urinating. You may be experiencing symptoms of a health problem that your provider can identify and treat before it becomes serious.

So many 21st century diseases are modifiable by good, early preventive care. By making an appointment now, you could be averting serious long term health problems in the future.

Dr. Cynthia Heller is physician-In-chief at the Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, which has more than 300 primary care providers across Connecticut. For information, visit hartfordhealthcaremedicalgroup.org, or call (877) 707-4442.