When people only seek out the help
of healthcare professionals when
they are sick, they are missing
out on the benefits of having a
trusted advocate and confidant. By
establishing and maintaining a longterm
relationship with a primary
care provider (PCP), individuals
have access to screenings and
diagnostics that not only provide
early detection to cancers and
diseases, but improve overall health,
wellness and quality of life.
Finding the Right Fit
“An ER or urgent care clinic doctor cannot take the
place of a primary care doctor,” said Erin Farley,
MSN, RN who manages community wellness at
CalvertHealth. “When you see an ER doctor for a
specific injury or illness, that doctor is focused on
that injury or illness – not on your overall health.”
Farley went on to add, “Your primary care
provider is your advocate for whole body wellness,
they are the ones to help you navigate the healthcare
system in your community. If you need specialty care
or treatment, mental health services or low-cost
prescription options, your primary care doctor is the
one who can refer you to people who can help.”
Dr. Stoner said she believes a strong
doctor-patient relationship is built
on respect, communication and
patience. “We are a team,” said
Dr. Stoner. “I am here to provide
guidance but patients also need
to take ownership for making
appointments when they have
concerns and following care plans
we’ve developed.”
She encourages patients to
search for a doctor they like. “You
can ask family and friends, but it’s
only until you meet the doctor for
yourself can you decide if the fit
is right.”
Dr. Stoner understands trust
takes time. “Over the years, the
patients learn to trust me with their
most intimate health concerns.
They also learn my character and
are more open to share personal or
embarrassing issues.”
CalvertHealth Primary Care
uses many tools to screen for
depression, anxiety, domestic
violence and other issues that
do not present in physical tests.
Dr. Stoner said the practice is
especially sensitive to social
barriers that can impact a patient’s
ability to reach their health goals.
“If lack of transportation is
an issue, we want to know about
it,” she said. “If a patient is having
difficulty affording prescribed
medications, we need to know that,
too. This is where the trust, respect
and communication between
patient and the care team result in
quality outcomes.”
A rule of thumb, according to
Dr. Stoner, is to limit two to three
concerns per office visit to allow
enough time to adequately address
each concern. She suggests
scheduling your annual physical
or screening appointments in your
birthday month as a reminder.
Early Detection, Early Diagnoses
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention,
people diagnosed with diabetes
incur on average $16,750 annually
in medical expenses. That’s about
2.3 times the medical expenses of a
person without diabetes.
“By identifying elevated blood
sugar levels during an annual exam,
I can address lifestyle choices to
help my patients avoid a future
diagnosis of diabetes—and future
financial burdens,” said Dr. Stoner.
According to the American
Heart Association, at age 24, a
person’s risk for heart disease
is just 20 percent, but by 45 that
same person now has a 50 percent
risk of heart problems — more
than doubled. Bloodwork during
an annual exam can identify
elevations in cholesterol and
triglycerides which are risk factors
in cardiovascular disease.
“Again, early warnings can
provide an opportunity for patients
to adjust their diet and exercise,
quit smoking, and lower stress early
so as to reduce the risk of having a
heart attack or stroke,” said
Dr. Stoner.
What Your Doctor Needs to Know
FAMILY HISTORY
Either on a form you are given at your first appointment or in
the exam room, you can expect to be asked about your family’s
medical history. Why? Many conditions or health issues can be
hereditary; in other words, they can be passed from grandparent
to parent to child.
VITAL SIGNS, HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Vital signs such as your blood pressure and pulse will help create
a baseline for future exams and to signal potential heart and
circulatory problems. Knowing your height and weight will help
the doctor to know the dosage of any prescriptions that may be
needed and to determine your BMI (Body Mass Indicator), which
can help identify risks for obesity.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL USE
You should be honest about the length and frequency of your
smoking habit, even if you quit 10 years ago. Current smokers
will, of course, be encouraged to quit – and doctors have
resources that can help. If you are a former smoker, your doctor
can determine if you qualify for lung cancer screenings.
The amount of alcohol you drink is important to share with your
doctor. Some medications may be dangerous to take with alcohol.
SAFETY AT HOME
Healthcare providers ask specific questions to determine if a
patient would benefit from domestic violence services. This is
required by law to provide protection and services to vulnerable
persons.
MENTAL HEALTH
Your doctor will ask if you ever contemplate harming yourself or
if you have been feeling depressed. These questions are designed
to assess the degree of risk for suicide and to open up further
conversation. Your doctor is trained to help guide you to not only
feeling your best physically, but also mentally.