By Dr. Melissa MacVenn, WellcomeMD, Naples
Sometimes health research reminds me of a river. Its course is generally predictable, but storm surges can open new channels.
Its direction can change a bit over time, but the destination remains the same.
The pandemic has been a major storm, and not just for those with Covid. It caused millions of us to stay away from hospitals and skip or delay mammograms, colonoscopies, ovarian cancer tests and other screening.
Only a few years ago, there was some concern in the research that Americans are tested more than necessary. The pandemic jolted that conversation towards worry that a wave of late-stage cancers, missed earlier because of testing delays, will overwhelm hospitals just as Covid has. Breast, colorectal and cervical cancer screenings declined very sharply in 2020.
Other research indicates somewhat less concern about a surge. Resolving that question will take time. But this advice is quite clear: keep all your screening appointments and schedule any that were delayed. We can’t let the pandemic ruin the progress we have made in the fight against cancer. Delayed or skipped tests make cancer treatment much more difficult once it is discovered. Now it is safe again to be tested.
Also crucial: your relationship with your primary care doctor is a key factor in staying out of the hospital. When patients are not seeing a primary care doctor regularly, they end up in the hospital more often, and may have developed more serious health problems. If you or your family doctor are out of touch, you may be tempted to skip test appointments or to seek other care you need. Then health problems can accelerate.
A different health focus
At WellcomeMD, we have more time for you and your health. Longer and more frequent visits allow our patients to establish a proactive relationship with their doctor. Our physicians see patients with same-day or next-day appointments. We have a “waitless” waiting room, because we stay on schedule. Appointments aren’t rushed.
My patients have my email address and office phone number for day-to-day needs and questions. For after hour/weekend/holiday emergencies I also give patients my direct cell phone number.
Our annual fee includes a very thorough annual physical exam and follow-up monitoring: we’re pro-active about health, with lifestyle counseling about diet and exercise, and extensive bloodwork and genetic testing to assess for potential health problems that can be prevented before the condition becomes sick care.
Looking for guidance on making healthy choices?
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you well.
• In the event of a hospitalization, you have a health advocate. I have visiting privileges at both Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Healthcare System, to advocate for her patients who are hospitalized. We also help guide your specialist treatments.
• Unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conference appointments — or just a quick call – you choose. Our members even have my cellphone number for emergencies.
WELLCOMEMD Naples
If you are ready to plan your healthcare for your specific needs, let’s talk.
To schedule a tour of our practice and a complimentary consultation with me, contact WellcomeMD today at (239) 451-5105 or wellcomemd.com/naples-florida.