Choosing a new doctor can be a challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. Asking for recommendations from co-workers, neighbours, and friends is a good way to start, but you will have to decide which doctor is best suited to your needs and situation.
You will need to decide what type of doctor you are looking for. Most plans require you to choose a primary care doctor (a doctor who will manage your overall care and refer you to specialists when needed). If you have a chronic or disabling condition, you will likely need a specialist who understands your particular health needs.
Some strategies and resources can still help you find a new doctor or check up on one you already have. Here’s why it’s so important to find a good primary care doctor, what to focus on in your search, and where to go for the information you need. Looking for the best doctors in Yarra Valley, Melbourne? Look no further, we’ve created our ultimate list of top doctors in Yarra Valley, Melbourne.
Ultimate List of Melbourne’s Doctors
RealCare Health Medical Clinic
03 9699 1083
Our experienced team of doctors in the South Melbourne clinic are focused on providing personalised, friendly service with a focus on GP services, care, treatments & prevention.
South Melbourne Medical Clinic
We are an experienced team of doctors providing medical services with a focus on family-friendly patient care conveniently located in the heart of South Melbourne. Our South Melbourne doctors clinic has been established and operating for more than 20 years and prides itself on offering modern medical approaches in diagnosis and personalised treatment.
We are an AGPAL accredited medical clinic whose Drs are well known and respected in South Melbourne. Our Dr South Melbourne family practice team includes GP’s, Geriatrician, podiatrist, psychologist and dietitian/nutritionist. As a medical team, we aim to provide comprehensive, preventative strategies to maximise health benefits to our valued patients.
Offering Services
- General Family Medicine (GP services)
- Complicated Medical Cases
- Prevention & Wellness
- Health Assessments
- Children’s Health
- Immunisation
- Women’s Health
- Men’s Health
- Home Visits available
- Skin checks/mole excisions
- Minor Surgical Procedures
- Retirement Home Visit
- Travel Vaccinations
Clinic’s Profile
RealCare Health Medical Clinic was established more than 20 years ago in the heart of South Melbourne and is doctor-owned and operated. Our South Melbourne doctors aim to provide a holistic approach to medical care in a warm and friendly environment. Our Drs are committed to our patients and will always go the extra mile to offer preventative medical solutions.
The South Melbourne family practice offers GP, physician specialist, psychologist, podiatrist, and dietitian/nutritionist medical services.
Our medical clinic also offers additional corporate medical services, including pre-employment and insurance medicals, acute work cover and return to work assessments. If you are looking for a doctor in South Melbourne, you should call 96991088.
Yarra Glen Medical Centre
We are a team of experienced doctors concerning your health.
YARRA GLEN MEDICAL CENTRE SERVICES
- IMMUNISATIONS
- CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT PLANS
- MINOR PROCEDURES
Minor Procedures Performed by the Doctors in our Yarra Glen Clinic Our doctors in Yarra Glen can per…
Era Health Doctor Melbourne
03 9944 6209
Welcome To Era Health
Era Health Doctor Melbourne CBD is an award-winning privately-owned medical centre and allied health clinic, providing general practitioners, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, Telehealth and occupational health services to our patients.
Since the clinic opened its doors in 2008, we have increased our range of services and providers, giving our patients the flexibility to have all their medical health needs in one place.
Our medical centre Melbourne CBD provides premium medical services through our team of experienced GPs in Melbourne. Some of our medical services include skin checks for skin cancer, HIV rapid test, mental health services, men’s health, women’s health, Telehealth and more.
Services That We Supply In Melbourne CBD
Besides our Melbourne medical centre, Era Health also has dental, Allied health and Corporate health clinic. Our services include a dental exam and clean, crowns, cosmetic dentistry services, tooth whitening, fillings, and an emergency dentist.
Our doctor clinic also helps companies around Melbourne, Victoria with pre-employment medicals, injury management, fitness for duty, vaccinations and health checks and Executive health assessments.
Our general practice is available for a consultation Monday to Friday. Opening hours 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Our medical centre in Melbourne is situated in the heart of the CBD. We also offer Telehealth consultations in Melbourne and all-around Victoria. Telehealth has become more prevalent this year.
We have extended our doctors clinic and general practice online to include mental health, travel medicine prescriptions, men’s health advice, and all women’s health services.
If you have any question about Covid-19, call us or email us through our website.
About Our Services
Here at the Era Health medical centre in Melbourne, we are committed to our patients for the long-term. A lifetime health care commitment to a lifetime health care relationship.
Continuity with your GP Melbourne is everything in healthcare management. By getting to know our patients, we can provide what is best for you and your family for years to come.
We treat people of all ages, backgrounds and gender. Our Melbourne CBD doctors have extensive scope for all kinds of treatments for our patients.
Why Era Health Doctor Melbourne CBD?
Era Health clinic Melbourne is here for every type of patient, offering comprehensive advice for you and your family needs, including dentistry, Covid-19 Vaccinations related questions, Telehealth, and medical advice. Our GPs in Melbourne provide travel advice and mental health consultations by phone and video. Mental health has never been more prevalent than it is today, and we are here to help.
Umbrella Health Doctors
1300 862 736
A new premium general practice clinic serving the community of Brighton, ideally co-located with Brighton Health Clinic for Kids at 202-204 Bay Street.
Umbrella Health Brighton is a practice built by patients for patients, to let doctors be doctors.
Umbrella Health is driven by a passion for improving the lives of everyone involved in the healthcare sector. Understanding the need for better facilities and practices, Umbrella Health provides premium healthcare centres that put the experiences of patients and practitioners first.
Health Services Available At Brighton
Woman’s Health
Umbrella Health recognises and values the importance of specialised women’s health, and our experienced doctor’s are here to provide any and all care in our medical centre.
Immunisations
Our medical centre is fully equipped to provide all vaccines and immunisations as needed and in line with the immunisation schedule.
Men’s Health
Many men are hesitant to see a doctor for their health issues, that’s why the GP’s at our medical clinic is committed to providing an understanding and considerate approach to your health care, whether it’s related to mental health, sexual health, or just a common cold.
Telehealth
Need to see a GP but want to do it from the comfort of your own home? We’ve got you covered. Book a Telehealth appointment with our GP’s today.
Skin Checks
2 out of 3 Australian’s will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, that’s why our medical centre is fully outfitted conduct skin checks to keep you safe.
Chronic Health Management
Whether you’re experiencing diabetes, arthritis, or other long term chronic health issues, the staff at our Umbrella Health Medical Centre can help you in developing and administering health plans and care programs to help you on your road to recovery.
Inner North Medical Clinic
03 9988 2015
Paediatric Doctors
Inner North Medical Clinic has experienced and caring children’s health specialists who can assist with all your family’s health needs – from bruises and snotty noses to vaccines and immunisations – and everything in-between.
Mental Health
Talking about mental health can sometimes be intimidating and difficult – but it is vital to our well-being. Our doctors are here to support you in finding the best management and treatment, so you can get back to the things you love as soon as possible.
Mole Mapping
Whether you’re worried about a particular spot or freckle or need a full-body skin check, we use the latest digital dermoscopy technology and our team of skin cancer professionals to ensure detailed, accurate and expert care and diagnosis.
We take your health to heart…
The Inner North Medical Clinic was built with love and conceived to reflect a passion for good community and good health.
Founded by Drs Kyle and Shea Wilcox in 2019, the planning, design, construction, fit-out, IT, marketing and staffing brought together a group of mates and rellies who chipped in their expertise to make a medical clinic that is so much more than fluoro lighting and quick-fixes. Together they have built a place made epitomises the family-and-community spirit of East Brunswick and the people who call it home.
At Inner North Medical Clinic, we are proud to serve the people of Melbourne’s Inner North and thank them for taking us to heart and trusting us with their health.
O’Gorman Medical Services Pty Ltd
03 9826 5107
Dr Michael O’Gorman has been providing medical services for more than twenty-five years. He introduced our suite of medical services to South Yarra in 2007, with the opening of our Chapel Street practice, OGAM Medical-Skin-Cosmetic.
South Yarra is now our signature practice which provides services in:
- General Practice
- Skin Medicine
- Cosmetic Medicine
- Aerospace Medicine
- Psychology
We have evolved into a unique health and well-being clinic, and our services are delivered in a holistic team environment, with an emphasis on quality and professionalism.
Our Mission
OGAM delivers affordable medical, cosmetic, & skin services from an expert team you can trust.
Philosophy
OGAM strives to deliver high level, high quality, affordable, professional medical services in a caring and empathic manner. We are in a unique position to be able to offer such services within a collaborative team environment. Our focus is on you, and we will guide you through the healthcare maze of options to ensure your specific healthcare needs are addressed in a holistic manner. The OGAM teams are the health and skin experts you can trust.
TelehealthDoctors
1800 012 353
Our Doctors Have Over 30 Years of Experience
TelehealthDoctor has Australian Specialist GPs at your immediate service. By Signing Up, you will be able to chat with a doctor instantly at the scheduled time. You will receive a confirmation email & text message from our team immediately.
What We Do Best
IRON CLAD PRIVACY
We take your privacy and the security of your medical data very seriously. All this data is stored encrypted on our servers, and only you and your doctors have access to it.
CORONA VIRUS MANAGEMENT
World-leading experts are at your fingertips. Our Doctors are up to date with WHO guidelines and Diagnostic Criteria to give you an accurate assessment.
GREAT AVAILABILITY
If you need timely medical attention, a team of approved doctors is always at your disposal, with a guaranteed response time.
Expert medical help. Wherever you are.
Our Doctors have worked in clinics and understand your requirements and that of your employer. TelehealthDoctor is used by hundreds of people, and our doctors are from various specialities with rich expertise. Book an appointment with a doctor who is right for you.
About TelehealthDoctor
TelehealthDoctor is staffed with experienced general practitioners ready to assist patients with a wide range of medical concerns. If you are looking for after-hours medical care in Australia, are unable to visit a GP, or would merely prefer not to do so, our doctors can assist you thanks to our modern telehealth services. We make available to you qualified Australian doctors online that are ready to help both you and are able to provide family care as well to ensure that you can receive the best remote health services possible.
Our general practitioners come with years of experience and provide exceptional care for our patients. When you book an appointment with TelehealthDoctor, you can rest assured you will only be attended to by qualified and accredited doctors that are more than just in-line with Australian standards.
We are continually striving to grow our services to provide accessible healthcare opportunities for all Australians, especially those who struggle with general practitioners’ access in their local community.
Doctors of South Melbourne
doctorsofsouthmelbourne.com.au
(03) 8579 6838
First-Rate Doctors in South Melbourne
Located across from the South Melbourne Market, our specialist GP team is devoted to meeting you and your family’s health needs.
All doctors practise sensible, evidence-based medicine with a caring touch. They’ll personalise your healthcare and help put the spring back in your step.
We’d love you to give us a try. New patients are most welcome.
Contact us for an appointment or book online.
Patients from Albert Park, Docklands, Middle Park, St Kilda and surrounding suburbs are warmly welcomed.
A Medical Centre with Patience
Dr Elaine Sung opened Doctors of South Melbourne in 2017 to help satisfy the demand for premium GP clinics in the City of Port Phillip.
And judging by the community’s response, locals are glad she did. Patients love how our doctors take the time to listen. They won’t make you feel rushed or brush-off your concerns.
During your first appointment, your GP will chat over your medical history and any factors concerning your health and happiness.
They’ll then work hard to help you feel your best again, all while tailoring medical advice to your needs.
South Yarra Medical
9820 1144
South Yarra Medical, Hawthorn Medical and Richmond Medical were founded by Dr Dan Moylan and Dr Luke Holden. They have been long term friends since studying medicine together at Monash University. Dan and Luke continue to own and operate the clinics. Such doctor involvement is becoming less common with the widespread corporatisation of General Practice.
South Yarra Medical was formed in 2007, Richmond Medical was established in 2009, and Hawthorn Medical opened in 2016. The focus has always been to provide an excellent level of healthcare – to the level they would wish for their own friends and family.
Another priority has been to provide the clinic’s GPs with industry-leading facilities and working conditions. Consequently, they have been able to attract the most highly skilled and friendly doctors available to join the team. The clinics are also involved in the training program for General Practice Registrars.
William Street Clinic
(03) 9670 4011
William Street Clinic is a fully accredited general practice located in the Melbourne CBD. Our GPs cater to a wide range of patients and medical conditions. To learn more about the services our GPs provide, please visit our Medical Services page.
Conveniently located on the Mezzanine Level overlooking Goldsborough Lane, CGU building, corner Little Bourke and William Streets, Melbourne (up the ramp)
Telehealth appointments
Telehealth appointments for concessional patients, patients under 16 and over 70 years old, and patients who are at high risk of COVID-19 complications due to underlying medical conditions will be bulk billed. All other patients will be billed at the clinic’s standard fees with Medicare rebates processed at the time of consultation.
Our History
William Street Clinic was established in 1982 by Dr Harry Imber and Dr Kaz Czuba, both highly experienced General Practitioners (GPs) with specialist registration.
Over the past 38 years, Harry and Kaz gained a solid reputation by providing excellent medical care to patients who work and/or live in and around the city.
Based on trust and respect, Harry and Kaz steadily built a strong, loyal and dedicated patient base that today still reflects many long-term and well-established relationships. Our welcoming receptionist Enza joined William Street Clinic over 35 years ago. Her warm and professional style ensures all patients are managed in a respectful and timely manner.
In September 2019, Kaz retired from William Street Clinic, leaving behind a wonderful legacy that he, Harry and Enza established through their commitment to exemplary service, which will continue long into the future.
Following Kaz’s departure, Harry and Enza welcomed the team Dr Meridee Flower and Professor Leon Piterman. They are well supported by the clinic’s nurse practitioners Rachel Primmer, Karen Tuttleby and Jacinta Cooke, all of whom now attend to the professional care of the practice’s patients.
William Street Clinic uses Best Practice medical software, ensuring the efficient and secure management of our patient database.
Main Street Medical
(03) 9739 3837
Established in 2010, Main Street Medical is one of Lilydale’s leading bulk-billing medical centres. Conveniently located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, the clinic boasts an experienced team of general practitioners, psychologists, diabetic educators and practice nurses.
With a wide range of services offered, Main Street Medical cares for many patients across the Yarra Valley and Maroondah areas, including over 180 nursing home residents across 11 local residential aged care facilities.
Our Mission
Main Street Medical is dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality medical services in an efficient and caring environment, focused on meeting the needs of our patients from our surrounding community.
Our practice is committed to promoting wellness and disease prevention to all patients. We do not discriminate in the provision of excellent care and aim to treat all patients with due respect and dignity.
Our Objective
To carry out this mission and foster the group practice of medicine, Main Street Medical must:
– Excel in specialised medical care, supported by comprehensive research and education
– Develop, apply, evaluate and share new technology
– Attract the best qualified medical, allied and support staff
– Excel in service
– Provide efficient access to affordable medical care
– Ensure that Main Street Medical maintains the quality that underlies every decision
Our Vision
Main Street Medical was developed based on recognising an overwhelming need for a bulk-billing clinic in the outer eastern suburbs and Yarra Valley, Victoria.
When Main Street Medical welcomed its first patients in July 2010, its mission was clear:
“To provide better access to care for the sick, and focus on and follow up on the education and investigations to improve their care.”
The future holds many new developments, enhancing our ability to offer comprehensive health care to our patients, and we will continue to upgrade technology and renew our education to continue to provide the best care possible.
Melbourne Sports Physicians
melbournesportsphysicians.com.au
03 9827 9362
Sport and Exercise, Medicine doctors are specialist physicians who have completed an undergraduate medical degree, residency training in a major city public hospital, and a comprehensive 4-year fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine. Specialising in treating athletes and other physically active individuals, they have extensive education in musculoskeletal and exercise-related medical issues.
Sports physicians are committed to excellence in the practice of medicine as it applies to all aspects of physical activity. Safe and effective sporting performance at all levels is a major focus. Alongside this is the increasing recognition of the importance of exercise in the prevention and treatment of common and often serious medical conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and many cancers. Exercise Medicine can also prevent and complement other, more invasive procedures, such as surgery. It plays a major role in improving recovery and long term outcomes.
Our doctors treat all musculoskeletal injuries, including muscle, ligament, tendon, bone and joint issues. They also specialise in the treatment of chronic illnesses that affect physical performance, such as asthma and diabetes—a major focus of our doctors in the prevention of injury and illness.
The doctors at Melbourne Sports Physicians are specialists trained in the diagnosis and management of sports injury and illness, with a particular focus on meeting the individual needs and requirements for each patient. Each of our doctors has experience treating elite athletes and apply these same principles to the management of all patients, whether they are elite or recreational athletes or simply people wishing to increase their activity levels. In each case, a program is tailored to each patient’s requirements and capabilities.
DR KAREN HOLZER
SPORTS AND EXERCISE PHYSICIAN
MBBS, FACP, PhD
Dr Karen Holzer is a world-renowned Sports Physician. Since 1996 she has worked extensively with athletes of all levels, from the recreational through to the elite international athlete. As one of Australia’s leading Sports Physicians, she has been Team Doctor at numerous international events, including Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. She has also been a National Team Doctor for numerous sporting teams within Australia.
Karen gains great satisfaction from helping each individual patient, of any sporting level, to achieve their own personal goals and aspirations. Karen is unique in that she has a PhD and postdoctoral degree in Exercise-Induced Asthma and Breathing Difficulties. She is recognised worldwide as a leading researcher and clinician in this area.
Unlike most Sports Physicians, Karen has a strong basis in treating both medical and musculoskeletal issues. She has extensive experience in treating: All joint and muscle injuries – acute and chronic, Exercise-induced breathing issues, Iron deficiency, Lethargy, Recurrent infections, Female issues – menstrual, weight, pregnancy, bone density, Weight issues, Tendinopathies Karen has a special interest in the care, both medical and musculoskeletal, of Swimmers, Track and field athletes, Triathletes, Cyclists Endurance athletes – iron man, ultra-endurance running, cycling, swimming, Rowers, All ball sports – basketball, football, rugby, soccer, netball, tennis, hockey etc. Furthermore, as an extension of Karen’s extensive work in cardiorespiratory performance in athletes, Karen has a special interest in altitude training and its impact on performance and VO2 max testing.
Village Clinic
03 9787 4999
An Exclusive Medical Centre for All Your Healthcare Needs
For 50 years, Village Clinic has been one of Australia’s leading primary healthcare providers in the heart of Mount Eliza.
With an expanded history in providing medical services, our staff of experienced and dedicated doctors and nurses are truly devoted to the health and well-being of our patients. We genuinely supervise and take complete responsibility for the communities we operate in and go out of our way to make sure that we deliver the best medical care to families and individuals. We are located in Mt Eliza and service the local communities residing on the Mornington Peninsula, Mount Martha, and Frankston. We also operate a clinic at the Mornington Retirement Village for our elderly residents there.
The nearest areas our General Practitioners serve
- Frankston
- Mornington
- Mt Martha
Why Choose Us?
- State-of-the-art Equipment and Facilities – Our Medical clinic is equipped with modern instruments along with talented GP’s, psychologists, podiatrists and a physiotherapist and accredited dietitian. We are able to perform ECGs, 24 hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Spirometry on-site. We also have an on-site pathology collection centre (Melbourne pathology).
- Talented and Qualified Doctors – Our medical centre has an extremely talented team of doctors and nurses who work collaboratively and are proficient in cancer check-ups, management of chronic illnesses, diagnosis, general health checks, travel vaccinations, child immunisations and vaccinations.
- Fully Accredited clinic – We are a completely accredited General practice, Yellow fever vaccination, and travel vaccination medical centre in Australia, open seven days a week.
- Bulk Billing – Bulk Billing is available for children below 16 years of age for standard consultations only and with appointments before 6:00 pm, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Our Mission
We will treat our patients, staff and our colleagues with the same respect we would like for ourselves. We will always do our best to resolve your health issues. If we cannot do so, we will put you in touch with those who can.
Our Services
Our services range in all manners of primary medical healthcare, i.e., general medical assessments, travel medicine, vaccinations, skin check-ups, paediatrics, men’s health, basic eye examinations, and checks for chronic health issues such as diabetes and asthma. Our medical centre also consists of a women’s clinic wherein highly skilled female GPs are experts in preventive care, women and family health issues, counselling, and other general medical care for women. Whether travelling overseas for business or leisure, we encourage you to talk to one of our specialist general practitioners (GPs) at our centre regarding your travel so you can minimise your risk of disease and illness overseas. Our GPs will advise you on preventative measures and vaccinations you may wish to consider before travelling overseas.
Church Street Medical Centre
(03) 9421 4888
Providing a wide range of General Practice and Family Health services with a special interest in family health. As part of our comprehensive approach to your healthcare, we work closely with both external specialists and other allied health professionals, many of which work alongside us here at Church Street Medical Centre. These include podiatry, psychologists, dietician, fertility educator and sexual therapist.
Pathology collection available on-site.
Church Street Medical Centre opened in April 2008, a collaboration between four doctors and two managers. We remain privately owned, with five of the original owners still working here today. Over the years, we have grown as a practice and currently have seven part-time GPs, and full time practise nurse support and many allied health practitioners. Being an ownership group of all women, we started the practice to provide excellent health care to our community and recognise and support they need for work/life balance in our workplace. We pride ourselves on achieving this, which is reflected, we think in the longevity of service of our staff and doctors, most of which have been with us from the beginning. We are independently assessed and accredited by AGPAL, with a keen interest in ongoing quality improvement and initiatives.
Appointments
Consultation is by appointment. You can make an appointment online via the home page of this website, directly via Hot Doc or by calling reception on 9421 4888. If we are fully booked, your request will be triaged by our nurse or reception staff. A standard appointment is 15 minutes. If you need a longer appointment (for example, if you have several issues you would like to discuss), please book appropriately or let the staff member know at the time of booking. If you need to cancel or are running late, please let us know. Cancellation fees may apply if you fail to do so and do not attend.
In an emergency, we will assist in assessing the most appropriate course of action.
Results & Recalls
All results are reviewed by the doctors. We will only contact you if your doctor needs to see you or discuss your results further. A computerised reminder system is available and used for follow-up of many medical conditions. You may receive reminders for things like follow up blood tests, vaccinations, or other preventative health checks via text message. If you do not wish to be automatically placed in our recall and reminder system, please let us know. The practice participates in both state and national preventative health registers, and you may opt-out of this at any time.
Fee Schedule and Payment
We are a private billing practice. This allows us to maintain a high standard of care. Information about our fees and services is available at reception. Payment in full is expected at the completion of your appointment. We can process your Medicare rebate online, ensuring you a prompt return directly into your nominated bank account. Payment can be made by cash, eftpos or credit card.
7 Signs You Should See a Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor can sometimes be a hard decision. There are some common health symptoms that typically don’t warrant an appointment, such as a runny nose or cough that’s been going on a few days, and others that could signal a more serious condition. But how can you tell the difference?
A good rule of thumb is if your symptoms have been going on for more than two weeks, it’s a sign to see a doctor. You should never ignore some symptoms, such as bleeding that won’t stop or difficulty breathing.
If you have minor symptoms and can’t make it out of the house for an in-person visit, many doctors are available for telehealth visits, in which you call or hop on a video chat to discuss your symptoms. Here are sometimes when it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor, seek treatment at urgent care, or call for emergency help.
To Establish Your Health Risk
Does your family have a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, or another significant disease? If so, you may be at risk for these conditions, too—and there are likely things you can do to lower that risk. A doctor can help you find out and work with you to determine which screening tests you need.
To Keep Your Body in Check
Do you ever wonder how you went from wearing a size 6 to a size 10 in what seems like the blink of an eye, but what was really for months or years? Many of my new patients who haven’t seen a doctor in years are shocked when they step on the scale and learn that they have gained 20-plus pounds since they were last weighed. And even if you still fit into your skinny jeans, other health markers, like heart rate and blood pressure, should be trended over time. A routine doctor’s visit can be like a system of checks and balances for your body by monitoring basic vital signs.
To Keep Your Mind in Check
Did you know that being a female is an independent risk factor for depression—and that women are more than twice as likely as men to struggle with depression over the course of their lifetime? What’s more, we aren’t always great at noticing the symptoms ourselves. A routine mental health screening by your physician can help identify warning signs—before they go from bad to worse.
To Get a Good Night’s Sleep
According to the NIH, 30-40% of Americans report having occasional insomnia symptoms and 10-15% report chronic difficulty sleeping—with women representing the majority of those affected. While you may think that a poor night’s sleep just means you’ll need an extra cup of coffee in the morning, chronic sleep disorders can increase the long-term risk of hypertension, depression, and diabetes. A doctor’s visit can help identify possible underlying causes for your restless nights—and get you the help you need to get some zzzs.
To Make Sure Your Cervix is Healthy
While I’ll be the first to admit that a trip to the gynecologist’s office isn’t my favourite way to spend an afternoon, annual pelvic exams are a critical part of any woman’s preventative health care. They can help detect vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (which may not present with any symptoms), and may often include a PAP smear for cervical cancer screening.
To Get Peace of Mind
When we have health questions and concerns, it’s easy to turn to good ol’ WebMD for answers. And even though the Internet can be a wonderful health resource, reading about your health issues online can often lead to unnecessary worry and fear. Remember, you (and every other patient) are unique and deserve a personalised evaluation. So instead of surfing the web for a generic, or even worse, incorrect answer, talk to a doctor in person to get the full picture—and to stop losing sleep over your questions (see reason number 5!).
For Prevention, Prevention, Prevention
Does it seem like I am repeating myself? Good! Health protection and prevention is the key to staying healthy for the long haul. From simple blood tests and vaccines now to mammograms and colonoscopies later, your doctor can help you become the healthiest version of yourself. Although it may seem like a hassle now, one hour in a doctor’s office now can add years of health to your life.
Most people don’t go to the doctor unless they’re sick or have a problem. But you should start by seeing your doctor when you’re well. By seeing your doctor routinely, you can stay on top of your health. He or she can provide preventive health screenings and monitor your health over time. This allows them to catch diseases early and help you manage them before they progress into more serious conditions.
How often you routinely see your doctor depends on your health. Many doctors recommend you come in once a year for a check-up. But if you have problems or a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you will likely be seen more often.
When deciding whether to call the doctor when you’re experiencing symptoms, you should also consider the state of your health and any risk factors you may have. For example, if you have asthma and get a respiratory infection, you may need to see your doctor sooner than someone who doesn’t have asthma. Besides, if you’re having new symptoms after having a procedure, surgery, immunisation, injection, or starting a new medicine, you should call your doctor.
