Heart Health
Connecting our Communities Heart Health Heart health is a popular topic these days, but it’s complex and can be difficult to understand. Ask anyone if they’re interested in keeping their
A primary care provider can help maintain good health, stay healthy, they can help prevent disease, and managing chronic disease for overall better quality of life. We sat down with both Dr. Megan Patrick and Tami Griffith NP, to ask common questions regarding the importance of having a primary care provider.
Q: What is a PCP and why is it important to establish care with a PCP?
A: A PCP is a primary care Provider. It is important to establish a PCP so that you have a doctor who gets to know you and your medical history. They can serve as your medical home! They can make sure you have all the testing you need for any specific health conditions you have, and they can keep you up to date on all of your preventative health screens. They can also help with referrals to specialists that you may need.
Q: What are the perks of having a PCP?
A: Becoming familiar and comfortable with one provider. Your PCP will get to know you and your medical history.
Q: What is the difference between a doctor and a nurse practitioner?
A: A doctor has a medical degree that they receive after completing 4 years of medical school. They also complete a residency training program that is at a minimum 3 years long after graduating from medical school. A nurse practitioner has a nursing degree, then completes additional training to become a nurse practitioner through either a Master’s program or a Doctorate program.
Q: Can a nurse practitioner be a PCP?
A: Yes, a nurse practitioner can be a PCP.
Q: Why is it important to have an annual exam?
A: It is important to have an annual exam to review medical history, any changes, and to update any preventative or screening exams that may be due.
Q: What does the annual exam usually include and how long is an appointment for an annual exam
A: An annual exam usually lasts about 30 minutes and usually includes:
Q: What is the difference between a well women exam and an annual exam?
A: A well woman exam includes a clinical breast exam and pelvic exam, and will include a Pap smear if the patient is due, in additional to all the above.
Q: Do most insurances cover annual exams?
A: Most insurances do cover annual exams.
Q: How old do you have to be to start having annual exams?
A: Annual exams start from the time the patient is a child. From ages 3 and up patients are seen once yearly. As children, these are often referred to as well-child checks.
Q: Where can I find a list of providers that will best fit with me?
A: You can find a list of providers on our website: www.grandriverhealth.org. There are also short biographies so you can learn more about our providers, and select one that may be a good fit for you.
Connecting our Communities Heart Health Heart health is a popular topic these days, but it’s complex and can be difficult to understand. Ask anyone if they’re interested in keeping their
Grand River Health on Community Corners Tune into 101.1 FM at 9:00 AM on Fridays to hear Community Connections, hosted by Mary Lee Mohrlang. This is an interview show with a
July 15 – 18th Grand River Health will be offering FREE sports readiness exams for Garfield Re-2 and District 16 athletes in both our Rifle and Battlement Mesa Clinics. Exams
Need some support on your weight loss journey? Join Changing Lifestyles monthly for a dietitian-led support group. Group will be held on the 1st Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 […]
Grand River Health offers on-going grief support for individuals who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. We offer a way to connect those who are going through […]
August 15 - 18th Grand River Health will be offering FREE sports readiness exams for Garfield Re-2 and District 16 athletes in both our Rifle and Battlement Mesa Clinics. Exams […]
August 15 - 18th Grand River Health will be offering FREE sports readiness exams for Garfield Re-2 and District 16 athletes in both our Rifle and Battlement Mesa Clinics. Exams […]
Have you recently gone through bariatric surgery or are you considering? Join Changing Lifestyles each month for a bariatric surgery support group. Sessions will be led by a dietitian or […]
Join Grand River Health's Dr. Hugh Brock for an informational session on joint pain at the Rifle Senior Center on Wednesday July 17 at 1pm: 50 Ute Ave Rifle, CO […]
August 15 - 18th Grand River Health will be offering FREE sports readiness exams for Garfield Re-2 and District 16 athletes in both our Rifle and Battlement Mesa Clinics. Exams […]
August 15 - 18th Grand River Health will be offering FREE sports readiness exams for Garfield Re-2 and District 16 athletes in both our Rifle and Battlement Mesa Clinics. Exams […]
Grand River Health offers on-going grief support for individuals who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. We offer a way to connect those who are going through […]
July 25th from 1:00-2:30pm Rifle Branch Library 207 East Ave. Rifle, CO 81650 Join Adolescent Gynecology Specialist Dr. Ginny Weathers for Girl Talk: Teen Edition at the Rifle Library Dr. […]
Saturday, August 3rd from 8:00am – 11:00am Blood Draws ONLY! Click the link below to register for your blood draw online. (No additional free screenings.) Meet with representatives from Grand […]