When last did you check on your chronic condition?

In last month's edition we acknowledged that it was not fun visiting a doctor's room during our third wave in winter, even though we all understand that it is less than ideal to avoid the doctor for our usual preventative screening. The Scheme noticed a slight decrease in oncology claims and oncology programme registrations during 2020. Obviously, cancer didn't 'go away' during the pandemic. Are we just avoiding screening or treatment now, only to wake up with a bad surprise sometime in the future? It is not only important to keep up with our preventative care and screening, but to also continue monitoring our existing chronic conditions as we know we should. You might not notice a change in your health and might think that your blood pressure is 'just fine' or your diabetes 'should be under control', but you actually need to let your doctor check and, if necessary, adjust your medication. A thorough check-up or blood test should not be skipped. If your chronic condition is not managed optimally at all times, it may require unpleasant short-term interventions and could lead to serious long-term consequences. Small changes in your health can create big problems if left unattended. This is the exact reason why doctors may only renew your prescription after having seen you in person or, at least in exceptional circumstances like during this pandemic, spoken to you on the phone or consulted with you virtually. Your consultation, whether in person or virtual, will be funded from your chronic benefits or from your day-to-day benefits. Don't wait any longer, make an appointment today to see your doctor.

Published: August 2021.