We get it—life’s hectic. Between work, errands, family, and just trying to find five minutes for yourself, it’s easy to let certain things slide. And if you’re feeling fine, skipping your annual doctor’s appointment might not seem like a big deal.
But here’s the thing: avoiding regular checkups can quietly take a toll on your health.
“To stay healthy, it’s essential to see a primary care physician,” says Dr. Walter Beaver, interim chief physician executive at American Health Network, part of Optum. “They’re not just there when you’re sick. They help you stay well—and catch problems before you even notice symptoms.”
Still, fewer people are making these visits. In fact, nearly half of U.S. adults say they haven’t seen a primary care doctor recently. Why? It’s not always about fear of doctors. Some folks head straight to specialists or only drop by urgent care when they’re sick.
While urgent care and specialists serve important roles, they can’t replace the big-picture guidance and long-term support a primary care doctor offers.
Let’s break down why having a go-to primary care doctor really matters—and how it can benefit your health in both the short and long term.
1. Regular Visits Help You Catch Health Issues Early
Think of your primary care doctor as your health’s early warning system. Even if you feel great, regular checkups can uncover silent conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol—issues that often cause no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems if ignored.
When should you see your doctor? That depends on your health history, age, risk factors, and more. For some, that might mean once a year. For others, more or less often. Your doctor will tailor that schedule just for you.
And it’s not just about physical exams. They’ll keep you up to date on things like cancer screenings, immunizations, and lab work—preventive steps that help you stay ahead of the game.
2. It Could Actually Save You Money
Think long term: catching a problem early is often much less expensive than treating it after it’s progressed. Let’s say your doctor spots early signs of diabetes or high blood pressure. With some changes to your diet, exercise, and maybe a little medication, you can manage it before complications arise.
That means fewer emergency visits, costly procedures, or prescriptions later—and fewer surprises for your wallet.
3. You’ll Build Better Habits With Trusted Advice
There’s no shortage of health advice online—and let’s be honest, it’s not always reliable. Your primary care doctor helps you cut through the noise with science-backed recommendations that actually apply to your life.
Whether it’s eating better, sleeping more, moving more, or managing stress, your doctor can guide you toward small changes that make a big difference—without the overwhelm.
4. You’ll Understand Your Personal Health Risks
Your family history matters. Maybe your dad had heart disease or your grandmother had breast cancer. Sharing that information with your doctor allows them to personalize your care, screen you earlier, and help you take steps to prevent issues down the line.
You can’t change your genetics, but you can change how you respond to them—with the right guidance.
5. They’ll Notice If Something’s Off—Even Mentally
Seeing the same doctor over time helps them get to know you—your personality, your body language, your overall vibe. That means they’re more likely to notice if something feels off, even if you’re not quite ready to talk about it.
“Often, I can tell the minute I walk into the room that a patient is struggling emotionally, simply by their body language,” says Dr. Beaver.
And it’s not just a feeling—studies show that primary care doctors are often the first to identify and treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Regular visits build a relationship where you feel safe opening up.
6. They’ll Connect You With the Right Specialists—When You Really Need One
Sometimes, you do need a specialist. But instead of randomly picking someone from a list or relying on your cousin’s friend’s recommendation, your primary care doctor can refer you to someone they trust—someone who’s a good match for your specific needs.
They know your full medical history, which makes those referrals more precise and effective.
The Bottom Line?
Even if you feel fine, regular check-ins with a good primary care doctor can help you stay that way. They’re your partner in prevention, wellness, and long-term health. Don’t wait until something’s wrong—invest in your health now, so you can keep doing everything (and being there for everyone) that matters to you.
Want care that’s focused on you?
Optum doctors and care teams are here to make staying healthy easier, more affordable, and more personal.
Become a patient today.
Your future self will thank you.
