Health Issues Common In Women

Are You A Woman Skipping Annual Physicals And Pap Smears Because Of Finances?

27 April 2016 by admin

If you are one of the many women that skips going to the doctor on an annual basis and you haven't been to a primary care physician or gynecologist in years, you have put yourself at a variety of risks. There are several reasons why you want to see a primary care physician, even if you don't have great insurance or any insurance. You could be at the risk of heart disease, gynecological issues, and more. Here are a few things you'll want to do to get started.

Apply for Health Insurance

While you are waiting for your appointments you'll want to apply for health insurance or assistance if you don't have any. To do this you'll have to report your income with your past years tax returns, and you may need to report who you are living with to get approved.

Set Up a Payment Plan

Call the doctor's offices where you are hoping to get an appointment and let them know that you just applied for health insurance or see if they take your current insurance. If they are willing to take you, ask if you have to pay the balance owed in full that day, or if you can potentially break up any costs in multiple payments. In case you are still waiting to get the visit approved by your insurance provider, or you are waiting to get federal healthcare, you shouldn't have to pay the full amount of the bill.

Get an Annual Physical

During an annual exam the doctor is going to screen for issues like diabetes, heart disease, thyroid complications and more. Missing these conditions or problems over time can lead to serious complications, and even death. If you haven't had an annual exam in years, make sure you have bloodwork done to check cholesterol, iron and more.

Have a Pap Smear Completed

An annual pap smear is important because conditions like cervical cancer are treatable if caught early. You should get a pap smear to monitor your gynecological health, to talk about birth control and preventative options, and to get a mammogram.

These are just a few of the tips you need to follow to get started with getting your annual checkups and you don't want to procrastinate any longer. Find a primary care physician like Rural Health Services Consortium Inc. and a gynecologist that you can establish a long term relationship with and start taking care of your health.

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