Q & A
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Q:Question: Can my primary care provider manage a chronic condition, or do I need a specialist?
A:Answer:Your primary care provider can manage several chronic conditions, including but not limited to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. If they believe you need a higher level of care for a condition, they'll help connect you with the right kind of specialist.
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Q:Question: Do I need a primary care provider if I am healthy?
A:Answer:Establishing care when you're well is actually an ideal time to start, since it gives you and your doctor a baseline to work from. It will help you better track changes and notice any patterns.
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Q:Question: How often do I need my blood pressure and cholesterol checked?
A:Answer:Blood pressure at least once a year if you have never had high blood pressure or other heart disease risk factors. Cholesterol at least once every 4 to 6 years, and more often if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol or have a family history of it.
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Q:Question: How often should I see a primary care provider if I feel fine?
A:Answer:At minimum, it's best to schedule an annual physical so you and your doctor can track your numbers over time. It also gives you a chance to discuss any questions about medications or new symptoms you may have.
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Q:Question: What does a primary care provider actually do?
A:Answer:A primary care provider can be a physician or advanced practice provider who is your main point of contact for health needs over time. In addition to providing care for sick visits, they get to know you and your unique health history, keep track of your blood pressure and bloodwork numbers, help manage ongoing conditions and decide when you need a specialist. They can help you protect your long-term health through appropriate tests and screenings.
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Q:Question: What is the difference between primary care and urgent care?
A:Answer:Urgent care is an option for more serious or pressing illnesses or injuries that are non-life-threatening but need to be seen faster than a primary care office might allow. They typically have longer hours than a primary care doctor. Primary care is best for ongoing health needs, chronic disease management, health screenings, physicals and referrals to specialists.
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Q:Question: What should I bring to a first appointment?
A:Answer:Your medications and doses, including anything you buy without a prescription. Also, any recent test results. Share as much as you can about your family history, particularly heart disease, diabetes and cancer, with ages of diagnosis, if possible. This information can help your primary care physician tailor your preventive care plan even more.
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Q:Question: How can I access my child’s medical records?
A:Answer:AdventHealth can release records of children (minors) to a legal parent or guardian until age 18 to a legal parent or guardian.
Some adolescent health information may be confidential and may not be available per state law to a parent or guardian.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you have a MyChart account set up, you may also see your child’s medical records when you set up proxy access through your MyChart account, and the information has been released to view in the portal. Some adolescent health information may be confidential and may not be available per state law to a parent or guardian.
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Q:Question: How can I request another adult’s medical records?
A:Answer:You may request the records of another adult if that person has authorized you to do so. His or her consent must be in writing and must include the details listed on our authorization form.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf the person is medically unable to complete the authorization, his or her healthcare power of attorney, healthcare agent or other legal guardian may give authorization. AdventHealth requires that the appropriate legal forms accompany these requests.
If you have a MyChart account set up, you may also see your loved one’s medical records when your loved one sends you an invite to set up proxy access through your MyChart account.
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Q:Question: Can I access my medical record online or through my patient portal?
A:Answer:Yes. If you sign up for MyChart, you can review some portions of your medical record online.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerMyChart is an easy and secure way to manage your healthcare online, anytime.
It allows you to:- Request a copy of your medical records electronically
- Schedule and cancel clinic or outpatient departments
- Receive reminders of upcoming appointments
- Email your clinic or care team
- Review follow-up care instructions after clinic, hospital, urgent care and emergency department visits
