PrimaryPlus-Ashland

“The first wealth is health.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  By now you’ve probably heard the phrase an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This phrase is especially true when it comes to your annual checkup. While your trusted physician should be an advocate for your health and wellness, it’s important for you to take control of your own health by scheduling annual exams and screenings.  According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 92-percent of Americans believe it’s important to get an annual physical, yet only 62-percent report actually following through with the exam. An annual checkup can serve as a baseline or road map of your health, your physician will check your vital signs, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, unhealthy trends that may be a cause for concern and indicators for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious diseases. Here are some compelling reasons to schedule an annual exam.  Saves you money Healthcar...

The Medical Home—also known as Patient-Centered Medical Home or PCMH is a primary healthcare delivery model that works to centralize healthcare for you and your family. Patient treatment is coordinated through a primary care physician , facilitating partnerships between patients, doctors, and their families. The medical home model grew out of a need to reinvigorate primary healthcare with the aim of achieving improved patient experience, better quality medical care, and lower healthcare costs. The medical home model aims to: Provide a cohesive medical team that delivers comprehensive care for both physical and mental health care needs, prevention and wellness, chronic care and acute care. Support the efforts of each patient’s self-care and get involved in each patients’ care plans by valuing each patient’s unique culture, needs, preferences, and values. Provide patients with full access to medical care with shorter wait times, as well as after-hours 24/7 services via tele...