They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But keeping the doctor away isn’t a plan for better health!

You may wonder when to see your doctor. We’re here to help you decide when to see someone about your physical, dental and mental health, or substance use treatment.

When to see your primary care provider

Regular visits with your primary care provider  help keep you healthy. PCPs may be doctors, nurse practitioners or physician assistants. They want to get to know you over time, and often have other team members who will be helping coordinate and support you depending on what you need. That team at your primary care clinic is often called a “medical home” or a “patient-centered primary care home.”

Your PCP also wants to hear your health concerns. If you are sick and need medicine, have chronic conditions that need regular visits — like diabetes or high blood pressure — or if you are just worried about your health, make an appointment. Seeing your PCP can also help find health issues early. Your PCP can make sure you get the vaccines and cancer screenings you need based on your age, gender and risk factors.

When you see your PCP regularly, they have a clear picture of your life, your health and your unique needs. This relationship is vital if health issues arise.

When should you see your PCP or dentist? Go to urgent care? Visit the ED? Sometimes it’s hard to know how serious an illness is. Here are some tips:

Make an appointment with your PCP if you can wait to be seen. Your PCP can handle most of your medical conditions, whether chronic or immediate. Your PCP can also refer you to a specialist if needed.

Visit the nearest urgent care or walk-in clinic If your symptoms aren’t life-threatening, or if your PCP says you need care before they can see you. You’ll probably be seen faster at urgent care or walk-in clinic than at the ED.

Go to the ED or call 911 if your symptoms are life-threatening. This includes things like chest pain, head trauma, breathing trouble, poisoning, pregnancy complications or mental distress. You don’t need to call your PCP or health plan first.

If you need emergency or urgent dental care, ask your dentist if they can see you quickly. You may get the best care by calling your dentist or dental health plan before going to the ED, even at night or on the weekend.

Follow up with your PCP or your dentist after you go to urgent care, the ED, or after you’ve been in the hospital. They can make sure you get follow-up care and that your medications are coordinated and up to date. This will help you stay well and out of the hospital.

Checking in regularly with your PCP and primary care team, dentist, mental health provider and pharmacist is vital for better health. Take the time to establish care with someone you trust who can help coordinate your overall health.

This will help you feel your best, so you can spend your time doing the things you love!

Patti Atkins is communications consultant for Columbia Pacific CCO.