Top Reasons to Visit Your GP

We all know to book in with a GP when we’re injured, unwell, or have an ongoing chronic condition.  GPs can help identify and diagnose symptoms and direct us towards our next steps for treatment. Whether that may be complete rest, referring us to a specialist, recommending antibiotics, or prescribing other methods of treatment, visiting your GP is an important way to protect your health in the face of active injury or illness. 

But, what about beyond that? Are you aware of the full scope of services a general practice clinic can offer its patients?   

There are many reasons to visit — from chronic disease management to mental health care plans, vaccinations, and so much more. Booking regular appointments with your general practitioner helps you stay on top of all aspects of your health and improves health outcomes.                                 

Health Screenings

GPs play a crucial role in preventative health care, guiding you through nationally approved cervical, bowel, and breast cancer screenings. These screenings can help detect early symptoms and prevent them from becoming a larger risk to your health than if they had been discovered later.

Your GP will also be able to provide you with a personalised plan on when and how you should participate in these screenings. This will increase your knowledge and understanding of these processes, and make them smoother and less stressful.

Chronic Disease Management

A GP is often the first point of contact when it comes to managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis, or any other long-term condition. Your GP and nursing team will be able to help you track your progress, monitor and treat symptoms and flare-ups, and guide you towards your health goals.  Having a deep understanding of your condition allows GPs to provide more targeted advice to help you along your health journey in the face of any chronic conditions. 

Mental Health Management

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and your GP can help to facilitate the care you need. Many GPs are able to provide psychological assessments and mental health care plans to ensure you are taking the steps you need to improve your mental health and stay healthy. From coordinating care to providing support, GPs are often the first step many people take in bettering their mental state.

Specific Assessments

Depending on your age, lifestyle, and family history, your GP can perform specific health assessments for you. From driver’s license medicals to health assessments designed for those +75 years of age to heart checks and 40 - 49 health assessments, your GP will identify any potential issues early in order to maintain your overall health. 

Vaccinations

No matter your age, it’s important to stay up to date with your vaccinations. GPs provide necessary vaccinations, from childhood immunisation programs to travel or flu vaccinations for adults. Your GP can help you and your family stay protected against preventable diseases, one of the easiest ways to preserve and maintain your health.

Veterans’ Health

Many general practice clinics offer services specifically targeted to veterans and their unique medical requirements or needs. From health assessments to mental health care plans, a GP will deliver each of these with the utmost respect for the experiences of veteran patients,

Nursing Care

Nursing care often goes beyond consultations, and GPs play a significant role in providing this to patients. From dressing wounds to blood pressure checks, GPs can provide a comprehensive approach to your health due to these nursing care services and skills. This allows all aspects of your health to be monitored and assessed through one doctor or clinic, ensuring continuity of care.

Fostering a Long-Term Relationship With Your GP

Scheduling regular appointments with your GP not only allows you to protect your overall health but also to form a unique doctor-patient relationship, which in turn, offers many benefits.

Maintaining a long-term relationship with your doctor and nurse means they become familiar with your personal health history. If you and your family have been seeing the same doctor and nurse over multiple generations, your GP will have a unique, in-depth knowledge of your family’s genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

This insider knowledge and familiarity means you’ll receive more personalised healthcare and treatments, and makes it easier to identify any health risks you may be subject to. It also means you have a trusted partner in health throughout your life, providing long-term peace of mind.

No matter the reason for your visit, frequent appointments are a way to remain proactive about your health.