Having one doctor who knows your health history is highly important for your long-term wellness.
You may be avoiding seeing your doctor right now, but we’ve taken extraordinary new safety measures in our Winter Park offices to keep you safe during your visit.
How We’re Keeping You Safe Here in Winter Park
With new safety measures and the same compassionate, whole-person care we’re known for, you can feel confident that you and your loved ones are safe and protected in our care.
Dr. Eddie Needham is the Chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) of Cardiovascular Medicine Course. He practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Winter Park and shares that, “When my family needs care, this is the first place I go. Because we aren’t just making you feel safe. We’re ensuring you stay protected.”
Enhanced safety measures at our Winter Park facilities include:
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All staff wear fresh masks or facial shields
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Visitors are screened for fever with forehead temperature checks before entering the lobby
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Each room is sanitized before and after every patient
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All visitors and patients receive a surgical mask to wear
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All staff screened daily for fever
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Continuous enhanced sanitation of lobby and waiting areas throughout the day
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COVID-19 positive or symptomatic patients quarantined away from patients and visitors in a separate wing of the building
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Contactless registration allows you to wait in the lobby or in your vehicle, wherever you feel most comfortable
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Chairs in the waiting room are placed more than 6 feet apart
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Virtual check-in and check-out available
Dr. Melissa Morello, who sees patients at AdventHealth Medical Group at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, says, “Our waiting room is cleaned continuously throughout the day, which includes all surfaces and high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, chairs, exam tables and much more. We also provide contactless registration, allowing you to check-in online and wait in your car until you get a text letting you know we’re ready to see you in the exam room.”
Having a primary care provider helps you better manage any chronic diseases and feel more satisfied with your care. Here are five important ways building a relationship with your local primary care provider here can improve health care for you and your family.
1. Continuity
Having a single physician who has seen you for everything from headaches to immunizations to blood-pressure control means having a health resource who knows your health history. When you visit your doctor’s Winter Park office, you don't have to explain that there's heart disease in your family or list the medications you're taking — it’s all in your medical record already.
2. Convenience
Your Winter Park primary care provider can assess a wide variety of health services safely and conveniently in your own neighborhood, such as preventive care and screenings, and care for chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes, plus acute care for problems like coughs and high fever.
3. Preventive Care
Your doctor can help you avoid health problems. Based on the doctor’s examination and your medical history, they can determine whether you're at an increased risk for conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Then, they can help you take steps to prevent them from developing. Primary care physicians in Winter Park are also connected to what’s happening in the community, with specific recommendations to keep you and your family safe.
4. Early Detection
Regular checkups and contact with a single physician means you can catch health issues early, when they're most treatable. They also have access to the most up-to-date recommendations personalized for your family’s health, and they’re fully stocked with continuously refreshed personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and more. So you can receive early treatment for any health conditions you may have — and stay safe at the same time.
5. Better Communication
When you know your doctor and their staff, visits are less stressful and more productive. It’s easier to talk about sensitive issues with your Winter Park primary care physician — someone you know in a familiar setting — rather than with a stranger in a new place.
How to Prep for your Primary Care Visit
Unfortunately, we often let hurry, worry or embarrassment keep us from getting what we need from a physician visit. So, how can you maximize one-on-one time with your local family doctor? Try these tips:
Make a List
Before your appointment, jot down the two or three things you want to ask the doctor so you don’t forget.
Ask About Contactless Registration
Before coming in, ask the office staff about our contactless registration option. They’ll be happy walk you through the steps, helping you feel safe and stay protected during your visit.
Be Specific
Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible. If you're having knee pain, for example, explain what it feels like and when it occurs. Is it sharp or dull? Is it constant or does it come and go?
Get Medicines Checked
If you take several medications that have been prescribed by different doctors, bring a list of them or bring the pill bottles with you.
Speak Up
Don't leave your biggest worry for the end of the visit. Mention major concerns early to be sure there's time for your doctor answer all of your questions.
Don't Try to Be Your Own Doctor
It’s good to do research, but resist jumping to conclusions about your condition.
Summarize What You’ve Learned
Before the doctor leaves the room, ask for the opportunity to repeat back the main things you learned during your visit to help ensure you understood everything fully.
Your PCP Is Here for You in Winter Park
Ready to take control of your family’s health in a safe, protected environment? Make an appointment today. Your doctor is here to guide you on your journey to whole health.
