Wellness Visit Information

Wellness Visit Policy Information

Dear Valued Patient,

In an effort to provide the best medical care possible, we would like to inform you of our office policy regarding wellness visits.

Wellness visits include traditional history and physicals, Welcome to Medicare physicals and Medicare wellness visits. The wellness visit and/or history and physical is intended to screen for potential health problems or issues. During this visit your practitioner will review your history and chart for age-appropriate screening examinations and immunizations. A brief physical examination may be performed for screening purposes only. Any deficient age-appropriate screenings will be ordered or recommended. Healthy lifestyle choices are typically addressed as well.

This visit is not intended to address new concerns or chronic medical conditions requiring new or maintenance medications. Although it may be convenient to combine these visits, your insurance company still views this as two separate visits. If a problem is discovered during your wellness visit that requires testing or investigation outside of normal screening procedures, additional charges will apply. Please keep in mind this additional service may incur a co-pay, coinsurance or be applied to your deductible. If you find this unacceptable, we would be happy to provide you with another appointment to address chronic conditions, medication refills and any specific concerns you may have.

This policy is intended to ensure that there is an appropriate amount of time to address your general health and wellness and comply with the rules of your insurance company. Thank you for your understanding regarding this office policy.

Southwest General Medical Group Physicians and Staff

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent. Apply an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent that contains one of the active ingredients below:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Para-menthane-diol
  • 2-Undecanone

Visit the EPA website to search which EPA registered insect repellent product is right for you.

Make sure to always follow product label instructions and reapply insect repellent as directed. Do not apply repellent on the skin under clothing. If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

Tips for Babies and Children

  • Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
  • Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
  • Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old.
  • Adults should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply to a child’s face.

Control Mosquitoes at Home

  • Remove standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
  • Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture or in the garage.
  • Install or repair window and door screens.
  • Do not leave doors propped open.
  • Use air conditioning when possible.
  • Use an indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under the sink, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room.

Pool and Swimming Safety Tips

Pool Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 – 4 years old. In 2016, Ohio reported 13 drowning deaths of children 0 – 14 years old. Below are some helpful tips to keep children safe while in the pool.

 

Swimming Safety Tips

  • Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
    Designate an adult to supervise children while in water. This adult should not be texting, reading, or playing games on their phone. Make sure to keep a phone close by in case you need to call for help. If a child is missing, check the pool first.
  • Teach children how to swim.
    Swimming is fun and a lifesaving skill.
  • Teach children to stay away from drains.
    Do not allow children to play near drains or suction outlets. Never enter a pool/spa that has a loose, broken, or missing drain cover. Children’s hair, limbs, or bathing suit can get stuck in a drain or suction opening.
  • Install proper barriers, covers, and alarms on and around your pool or spa.
    A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children. The water should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate.
  • Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
    CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or American Red Cross.

Dealing with Stress

Dealing with Stress

Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels anxious or threatened. Stress can be positive or negative depending on the situation. For example, a wedding can be a source of positive stress. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the right support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.

After a traumatic event, people may have strong and lasting reactions. The symptoms may be physical or emotional. Common reactions to a stressful event can include:

  • Disbelief, shock, and numbness
  • Feeling sad, frustrated, and helpless
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Headaches, back pains, and stomach problems
  • Smoking or use of alcohol or drugs

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

  • Take care of yourself
    • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
    • Exercise
    • Sleep/rest
    • Take a break
  • Talk to others
    • Share your feelings with someone you trust
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol
    • These can make additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling
  • Recognize when you need more help
    • If problems continue talk to your healthcare provider

Yes, We’re Open

Open Sign

Southwest Family Physicians, Inc. is open and providing the following services for Established Patients:

  • Telemedicine
  • Virtual Visits
  • Phone Call Appointments

Please contact us for more details.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash