Do I Need a Family Doctor? (insurance, cancer, cheap, treatment)

[Melanie Jones11]

Hi Everyone!

I recently moved to a new area, and currently I don't have a family doctor here. I am wondering if I need one. I don't have any major health problems, but I often do get the flu and various seasonal colds in the fall and winter. I never used to go to a doctor for these, but now that I am working, I guess I will need to see a doctor in order to get sick days?

If, say, I got the flu, do I need to bring a doctor's note to work in order to get sick time?

Thanks for your advice :-)

[AnonChick]

Originally Posted by Melanie Jones11

Hi Everyone!

I recently moved to a new area, and currently I don't have a family doctor here. I am wondering if I need one. I don't have any major health problems, but I often do get the flu and various seasonal colds in the fall and winter. I never used to go to a doctor for these, but now that I am working, I guess I will need to see a doctor in order to get sick days?

If, say, I got the flu, do I need to bring a doctor's note to work in order to get sick time?

Thanks for your advice :-)

It depends on your employer's policy. Some employers just require a phone call saying you won't show up. Some don't even care if you call or not, as long as you get the shift covered (so you call a co-worker and offer them your hours). Some require a note if you're out for more than 2 consecutive days. Some require a note if you call out due to injury, if you're working a physically stressful job.

Whether you need a note to use a sick day is up to your employer, not up to anyone else. You have to ask your employer or check your employee handbook (assuming there is one) to find out for sure.

And - it's good to have a primary physician anyway - not just in case you get the flu, but so you have some consistency, when you go for an annual checkup, -and- when you're sick.

[justthe2ofus]

if you have insurance, then yes, choose a new PCP in your new area.
if you don't have insurance, don't.

[cb at sea]

There are alot of the "doc in the box" place (emergi-centers) that will do well-patient appointments...

If you're younger, you probably don't actually NEED a full-time general physician...and one of those places can do the things you need.

[Kibbiekat]

Adults should have well doctor visits every year, just like kids. From your screen name I'm guessing you are female. You should have a check up yearly, and a pap test at least every 3 years, depending on how the last one turned out. I never needed a doctor's note for work, but it depends on your employer. If you have health insurance, choose a doctor in your network. Why not, really?

[Melanie Jones11]

Thanks everyone for your advice!!

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by Kibbiekat

Adults should have well doctor visits every year, just like kids. From your screen name I'm guessing you are female. You should have a check up yearly, and a pap test at least every 3 years, depending on how the last one turned out. I never needed a doctor's note for work, but it depends on your employer. If you have health insurance, choose a doctor in your network. Why not, really?

Very good point. All human being needs regualr checkups (as recommendd by a pediatrition for children; at least annually for adults). Even if you are healthy at the moment, these checkups can detect problems (eg cancer and cardiac disease.) early on, which often makes treatment easier, less painless, cheaper, and more successful.

If you don't "need" a PCP now, you might find yourself needing a one or more sepcialists for the rest of your life.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Melanie Jones11

Hi Everyone!

I recently moved to a new area, and currently I don't have a family doctor here. I am wondering if I need one. I don't have any major health problems, but I often do get the flu and various seasonal colds in the fall and winter. I never used to go to a doctor for these, but now that I am working, I guess I will need to see a doctor in order to get sick days?

If, say, I got the flu, do I need to bring a doctor's note to work in order to get sick time?

Thanks for your advice :-)

no idea about your company's policy on sick leave but I am guessing they will probably take your word for it unless you abuse the policy and I doubt you would do that. Do you need a family doctor, my opinion is yes, everyone does. Do you need to panic and find one tomorrow? Probably not, but don't wait til you get sick. Ask friends, co workers, check your insurance to see if they have a list of doctors on the insurance plan. There is nothing harder for a doctor or a patient than to have to treat someone who is ill and the doctor has never even meant. .

Nita