Did you know you’re supposed to see your doctor even when you’re healthy? Through regular checkups, your doctor can learn about your personal and family medical history, screen for potential or ongoing medical issues, and even help you determine your risk for future health problems. Establishing a relationship with a regular physician also makes it […]
If you put your hand on your chest, you can feel your heart beat and your lungs fill with air. Your stomach growls when you’re hungry. But the biggest organ in your body — your liver — usually goes unnoticed. And your liver is essential for keeping you healthy. For example, your liver helps with […]
Whether you’re seeing your primary care provider or a specialist, your appointment is the time and place to ask questions and address your concerns. Here are a few ways to make sure you get what you need out of your next medical appointment. Write down questions to ask your doctor Even though you often wait […]
Here’s something you can look forward to this year: an end to unexpected, or “surprise,” medical bills. That’s thanks to the new federal No Surprises Act, which took effect January 1, 2022. “Many people reasonably assume that they won’t get billed by some random provider they had no role in choosing. So they may not […]
One key component of a health maintenance organization (HMO) health insurance plan is the primary care physician (PCP).¹ This is the person who will coordinate all of your medical care. You will likely be required to choose a primary care physician when you sign up for your insurance. This is an important decision, so carefully […]
For nearly a century, bacteria-fighting drugs known as antibiotics have helped to control and destroy many of the harmful bacteria that can make us sick. But in recent decades, antibiotics have been losing their punch against some types of bacteria. In fact, certain bacteria are now unbeatable with today’s medicines. Sadly, the way we’ve been […]
If you’ve ever been admitted to an emergency room or accompanied a family member there, it’s probably not a fond memory. Medical emergencies are frightening, exhausting, and costly. While emergency room visits should be rare, a new study has found that too many people who are treated in an ER return for emergency care within […]