Take time to find the right medical professionals to keep you healthy.
General Information
When choosing a doctor, first call your health insurance provider for a listing of doctors in your area that accept your insurance plan. Choose a primary care physician (PCP) who practices general medicine and addresses a variety of health issues. Once you have a PCP, he or she can write a medical referral to a specialist for a specific medical concern. Bring a list of your current prescriptions and known medical history to any 1st appointments to fill out the necessary paperwork.
Check with your insurance about medical services they will cover and what you will be responsible to pay for at the time of the visit before making an appointment with any health care provider.
Routine appointments include a yearly physical examination, non-urgent medical appointments (such as medication refills, skin issues, back or joint pain, or sleep problems), and gynecological exams for women. Routine appointments are important because they can help you discover issues before they become problems.
Mental health professionals can do two different things: diagnose and provide treatment for a mental health issue. Treatment recommendations may include medication, group therapy, individual therapy or a combination of these. Always make sure your mental health provider is a licensed professional. Some licensed therapists are qualified to prescribe medications, while others are not.
Oral health is part of your overall well-being. Taking proper care of your teeth reduces your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Dentists monitor your teeth and other things going on in your mouth. Most dentists recommend having routine exams every six months. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss after meals to help keep your teeth and gums healthy until your next dental appointment.
Eye health is often overlooked. Optometrists (eye doctors) suggest having your eyes checked every two years unless you notice a change in vision or any pain associated with your eyes. In that case, set up an appointment right away. Call your insurance company to find out what their policy is on coverage for eye examinations and other possible related costs such as glasses, or contact lenses.
Sexual health is important so that you are informed about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), options for contraception, other reproductive health, and sexual functioning. You should talk to your doctor about your sexual health or talk to a specialist in this area.
Resources
Maine.gov offers a listing of mental health professionals available by county throughout the state. Find this resource at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/mentalhealth/index.shtml
To find affordable dental care, visit Maine.gov for a listing of oral health resources and clinics at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/odh/documents/directory.pdf.
For information on sexual education and reproductive health visit www.plannedparenthood.org, www.mainefamilyplanning.org