Summary
Due to the Affordable Care Act, many Americans are newly covered by health insurance or have recently had their health plans changed. It is possible that many individuals are not clear on what is covered under the new health plans and may not know how to access healthcare or understand the importance of why they should do so.
Most health plans must cover a set of preventive services like immunizations and health screenings at no cost to the patient, no matter what their deductible or co‐pay is. As a preventive measure, it is important for individuals to visit a primary care physician annually for a health check‐up and ask about the free preventive services available based on gender and age.
A primary care physician, more commonly known as a PCP or family doctor, is a physician who is specifically trained in treating the entire person, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Brian Hull, DO
“A primary care physician, more commonly known as a PCP or family doctor, is a physician who is specifically trained in treating the entire person, physically, mentally and emotionally,” explains Brian
Hull, DO. Unlike other doctors who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, primary care physicians not only diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, like the flu and high blood pressure, but they also provide routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent diseases from developing in the first place.
“Your primary care physician is your partner and advocate when it comes to maintaining optimal health, as well as your first point of contact in the healthcare system,” says Dr. Hull.
More information on managing health can be found in a free copy of “The Importance of Preventive Care At All Ages,” and can be requested at https://www.unitedregional.org/partners‐in‐your‐goodhealth.
Please contact Lynn Wiesen to schedule an interview with Dr. Hull and help us inform the community on what the new health plans cover as well as the importance of establishing a relationship with a PCP.
About United Regional
United Regional Health Care System is located in Wichita Falls, Texas and provides comprehensive medical care including inpatient and outpatient services, advanced diagnostics, surgical specialties and life-saving emergency care to a 9-county service area. It has the area’s only Level II Trauma Center and serves as the Primary Stroke Center for the region.