Brianna Daeger, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Tree City Medical Partners and a native of Greensburg, IN.
She provides primary care to patients of all ages. With a passion for serving the community she was born and raised in, and to building lasting relationships, Brianna provides patient-centered care with a focus on preventative care and health education.
Both Daeger and trusted resources offer the following recommendations to guide your care.
The Importance of Establishing with a Family Medicine Provider (Primary Care)
For many adults, the only time they see a doctor is when a new troubling symptom or illness arises. While it is important to seek care under these circumstances, this shouldn’t be the only time you see a provider.
According to US Today, nearly a third of Americans do not have an established family medicine provider, and almost 50% of adults 18-29 have no provider. In this article, we’ll explain why it’s important to have a family medicine (primary care) provider, what to expect during a wellness visit, and how to establish care at Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH).
Why It Matters
For most individuals, an annual wellness visit to a family medicine provider is recommended. Wellness visits are intended to evaluate the overall state of your health. Even if you feel fine and aren’t experiencing any concerns, these appointments are crucial to being informed about your health. More than just a physical exam and medical history are considered during the wellness exam. Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical fitness, stress levels, eating habits, and sleeping patterns, are all noted.
“Establishing a family medicine provider is one of the most important things you can do to stay informed and manage your health,” said Brianna Daeger, FNP-C, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Tree City Medical Partners. “It allows you to build a relationship with your provider, who gets to know you and can support you in your health needs.”
In addition to being a baseline for health, your annual wellness exam can inform you of early-developing conditions you may not have known were on the horizon. Through screenings such as a diabetes screening or lipid panel, you can receive information on your risk for diabetes and high cholesterol. Early intervention is crucial to ensure health conditions do not go untreated or worsen.
Your provider, whether a doctor or nurse practitioner, becomes an expert on your health by building a relationship with you and understanding you and your family’s unique needs. Every patient has different needs — at DCMH, our family medicine providers are committed to providing comprehensive, individualized care, ensuring you feel supported in your health and wellness.
What to Expect During an Annual Wellness Exam
Scheduling an annual wellness exam with your family medicine provider is an important step in staying informed and proactive about your health. As mentioned above, most should have a yearly visit, though the frequency may vary depending on your age, overall health, or chronic conditions such as COPD, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Being open about your health and concerns in your annual wellness exam helps your provider give the best personalized advice!
During a typical wellness exam, your provider will review your medical history, medications, past illnesses and surgeries, and family health history. A thorough physical exam may be conducted, including checks of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), heart and lung assessments, and an overall evaluation of your physical condition. You’ll also discuss lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and habits like smoking. Based on your needs, your provider can recommend screenings, lab tests, or preventive measures, and provide referrals to specialty services such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or pulmonology when appropriate.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visits are slightly different. These visits focus primarily on prevention and developing a personalized health plan. Your provider will review your history, medications, and risk factors and offer guidance to maintain or improve your health. Unlike a standard annual exam, some routine physical checks, such as taking temperature or listening to the heart and lungs, may not be performed unless medically necessary. These visits also do not typically include labs. This ensures your health needs are addressed while still focusing on prevention.
Insurance considerations: For patients with any type of insurance coverage, most wellness exams are partially or fully covered. However, if you bring up new symptoms or unrelated health concerns during your wellness visit, insurance may classify this portion of the visit differently, which could result in a copay or additional charges. To help you avoid unexpected costs, you may want to consider scheduling a separate appointment from your wellness exam for any additional concerns. Your provider will always prioritize your care, but it’s helpful to understand how your insurance coverage works.
How to Establish with a Family Medicine Provider at DCMH
Whether you are an established patient with DCMH, you’ve never seen a DCMH provider, or you haven’t seen any provider in years, our team is here to help. DCMH has five Family Medicine Practice facilities, including Decatur County Family Medicine, Decatur County Pediatric Care, Decatur County Primary Care, Tree City Medical Partners, and the DCMH Westport Clinic.
Many DCMH providers are currently accepting new patients and are eager to welcome you to our family medicine practice. Providers, including Jeffrey Powell, DO; Isaiah Steffen, MD; Scott Washburn, MD; Brianna Daeger, FNP-C; Laura Greiwe, FNP-C; and Kelly Miller, FNP-C have expanded appointment availability and see patients across multiple age groups.
Learn more about these providers and the full family medicine team here. To schedule your appointment, call 812-222-DOCS — we’re ready to help you get started on your path to better health.
The information provided in this health insights article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Don’t disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this article.
Additional References:
- Hassanein, N. (2023, February 28). A third of Americans don’t have a family medicine provider, report finds. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/02/28/americans-lack-primary-care-provider-report/11359096002/
- Yahoo! (n.d.). 20% of U.S. adults say they don’t have a primary care physician, Yahoo/YouGov poll finds. here’s why doctors say you need one. Yahoo! https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/20-of-us-adults-say-they-dont-have-a-primary-care-physician-yahooyougov-poll-finds-heres-why-doctors-say-you-need-one-110027100.html#:~:text=Here’s%20why%20doctors%20say%20you%20need%20one.,-Kaitlin%20Reilly%2C%20Reporter&text=Do%20you%20go%20to%20an,care%E2%80%9D%20for%20their%20medical%20needs.