Getting older does not mean giving up the activities you enjoy. Regular primary care can help you protect your health, manage ongoing conditions and stay active as you age.
A primary care provider gets to know your medical history, medications and personal health goals. They can help you understand changes in your health and decide what care may be right for you.
Keep Up With Preventive Care
Preventive care helps find possible health concerns before they become more serious. Depending on your age, medical history and risk factors, your provider may recommend:
- Blood pressure checks
- Diabetes and cholesterol screenings
- Cancer screenings
- Immunizations
- Vision and hearing checks
- Fall-risk assessments
- Memory and mental health screenings
Your provider can help you understand which services you may need and when to receive them.
Make the Most of Your Medicare Wellness Visit
Medicare Part B covers a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during your first 12 months with Part B. After that, you may qualify for a yearly Medicare Wellness Visit.
A Wellness Visit is different from a complete physical exam. During the visit, you and your provider may review:
- Your medical and family history
- Your medications
- Your height, weight and blood pressure
- Your ability to complete daily activities safely
- Your risk of falling
- Recommended screenings and preventive services
- Your health goals for the coming year
When scheduling, tell the clinic that you want a Medicare Wellness Visit. Other health concerns discussed or treated during the appointment may result in additional charges. Contact your Medicare plan if you have questions about coverage.
Review Your Medications
Medication needs can change over time. Some medicines may interact with one another or cause unwanted side effects.
Bring a current medication list to each appointment. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Your care team can look for possible concerns and make sure each medicine still supports your health needs.
Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Manage Ongoing Health Conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and heart disease may require regular monitoring. Your primary care provider can help you:
- Understand your condition
- Track changes in your health
- Manage medications
- Set realistic health goals
- Coordinate care with specialists
- Know when follow-up care is needed
Seeing the same care team over time also helps your providers notice changes that may otherwise be missed.
Talk About Your Complete Health
Healthy aging includes more than medical tests. Your provider can also talk with you about:
- Physical activity
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Stress and emotional health
- Memory concerns
- Staying socially connected
- Preventing falls
- Planning for future healthcare needs
You do not need to wait until something is wrong. Regular visits give you time to ask questions and make a plan for staying healthy.
Primary Care for Adults at PHC
Primary Health Care provides family medicine and internal medicine services for adults in Central Iowa.
Family medicine
Family medicine services for adults in Central Iowa.
Internal medicine
Internal medicine providers focus on adult health and can help manage multiple or complex health conditions.
PHC accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Contact your insurance plan to confirm that PHC is included in your network.