Looking for a way to save money? One of the easiest methods is practicing preventative care, such as scheduling your regular wellness visits. Here are some of the top reasons to make a quick checkup with your primary care physician a priority.

1) Early Disease Treatment Means Fewer Medical Visits
Scheduling routine wellness and follow-up appointments can be something that all too often gets placed on the back-burner behind going to work, making meals, cleaning the house, trying to take in some exercise to stay healthy, and taking the kids to their activities. Also, if you have new symptoms, you may be concerned about what you will learn at your next visit. However, if there is a disease or injury present that requires treatment, earlier detection is critical to having better care options with a less invasive treatment plan and faster recovery.

2) Fewer Treatments Means Less Time Off Work
While pushing your regular wellness visits and screenings off may help you continue working with underlying medical concerns that go undetected in the short term. In the long run, you will benefit far more from immediate action that will prevent you from having to miss more time at work for additional procedures and follow-up appointments that may have otherwise been prevented by early detection. For this reason, among many others, employers typically offer insurance that covers wellness appointments at no additional cost to patients.

3) Early Disease Tests & Treatments are Generally Less Invasive
Another important cost-benefit for early detection of illnesses is the opportunity to avoid more invasive and, therefore, uncomfortable procedures that are more expensive and emotionally as well as physically taxing on you and your loved ones. Your routine wellness appointments with your primary care physician can be the first step in detecting underlying issues you may be unaware are developing. By treating the concerns early, you are able to save money and time while preventing added worry and physical discomfort.

4) Early Disease Treatment Often Means Fewer Medications
Medication costs are a frequent concern many patients have when exploring medical treatment options. Regularly scheduled wellness visits and screenings will often afford you the opportunity to treat illnesses while in the earlier stages before the higher doses of the medication are required to manage the disease. A lower dosage means a lower pharmacy bill.

How to Make the Most out of Your Wellness Visit
Ready to schedule your next routine care visit? A big part of early detection is being open with your physician and recalling any unusual changes since your last visit. It helps to make a list to review with your doctor and include a frequency and duration or length of time the symptom is experienced beside each new symptom or change in your health.

Many people may feel embarrassed to track and discuss mild symptoms that do not hinder their activities in daily life. Examples of such symptoms are new or noted changes in skin lesions or your sleep cycle. However, these seemingly mild symptoms could impact your health and, as a result, your medical costs if they stem from underlying diseases or cause stress and sleep deprivation. Thus, it is critical to report any and all health changes at your next wellness visit with your primary care physician.

More Ways to Save on Medical Costs in Between Doctor Appointments
In addition to your routine wellness visits, there are several lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of developing certain diseases and health problems when incorporated into your daily routine. Examples include daily exercise, stretching, eating whole foods, and spending time with loved ones in a positive environment.

Your doctor may also have suggestions on your diet or health-related services such as acupuncture or massage that can improve your body’s functioning and help lower your risk of developing certain health problems, depending on your medical history or family history. This is yet another excellent reason to check in with your physician regularly to see what is working for your lifestyle and what areas could benefit from small changes.

In conclusion, by keeping your regular screenings and routine care appointments with your physician, you are taking charge of your health and your wallet. Remember, a faster recovery means less time feeling sick, fewer medical appointments, tests, and treatments, and fewer missed days at work. All of this translates into more medical savings as well as savings on your time and the all-too-often overlooked health benefit of reduced stress.