A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer, Fall 2023

You’ve heard me say this before because it’s so important: Developing a good relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) is an essential part of your health journey. One of the keys to doing this is establishing a routine of regular care, which includes an annual checkup and recommended screenings.

Since nearly 50 percent of our U.S. population is living with diabetes or pre-diabetes,* it affects us all in one way or another. I encourage you to get tested, along with any other screenings your doctor recommends.

But screening advice is just one reason to schedule an appointment with your PCP—or make your first appointment with a new one. Routine visits allow you to develop a relationship with your doctor and build trust so you feel comfortable talking openly and asking questions.

When I was a primary care doctor, 90 percent of what I learned about a patient came from talking with them. During your annual checkup, your doctor should be asking questions about your overall health. Please be honest. It’s confidential, and nothing surprises us.

You can find out more about building a healthy relationship with your doctor by visiting our Healthy Living Resource Center. Need to find a primary care physician? Check out our 1199SEIU Provider Directory at findadoc.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention