At Raymond Lau Family Medicine PC, located at 384 Grand St Front #3, New York, NY 10002, we strongly believe that your relationship with your primary care provider (PCP) is one of the most powerful tools for lifelong health. Primary care is more than just an annual physical—it’s an ongoing partnership that can improve your well-being and reduce healthcare costs. But many patients aren’t using their primary care benefits to the fullest.
Use this in-depth checklist to evaluate whether you’re making the most of your primary care visits and discover actionable ways to optimize your health, reduce risk, and unlock the full value of your insurance benefits.
Understanding the Full Scope of Primary Care
Primary care is your gateway to the healthcare system. It’s where prevention begins, where chronic conditions are managed, and where your health journey is continuously guided.
Core Services of Primary Care Include:
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Preventive screenings (e.g., cancer, cholesterol, diabetes)
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Vaccinations and immunizations
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Chronic disease management (e.g., hypertension, asthma, diabetes)
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Mental health evaluations and referrals
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Medication management
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Lifestyle counseling
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Health risk assessments
Yet, many patients use primary care reactively—only visiting when something goes wrong. Let’s change that.
Primary Care Utilization Checklist
1. Do You Schedule Annual Physicals?
Yes: Great! Regular checkups help detect problems early.
No: You may be missing early warning signs. Annual exams are often fully covered by insurance.
Tip: Schedule your physical at the same time each year to build the habit.
2. Are You Up-to-Date on Screenings and Labs?
Yes: You’re ahead of the curve. No: Conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes often go unnoticed without screening.
Examples of routine tests:
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Blood pressure
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Cholesterol panel
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A1C (blood sugar levels)
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Pap smear (for women)
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PSA test (for men)
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Colonoscopy (age-based)
3. Have You Built a Relationship With Your PCP?
Yes: Your provider knows your history and preferences. No: Seeing different doctors each time leads to fragmented care.
Continuity of care allows for personalized treatment, faster diagnosis, and cost savings.
4. Do You Have a Chronic Condition Under Management?
Yes: Regular visits help you avoid complications. No: Untreated or poorly managed chronic illness increases healthcare costs and risks.
Conditions managed by your PCP:
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Hypertension
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Type 2 Diabetes
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COPD
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Obesity
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Depression
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Arthritis
5. Are You Using Preventive Services Covered by Insurance?
Yes: Take advantage of zero-cost services under most plans. No: You might be missing free cancer screenings, vaccines, and more.
Covered services often include:
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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
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Mammograms
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STD screenings
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Smoking cessation support
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Diet and obesity counseling
6. Do You Discuss Mental Health During Visits?
Yes: Mental wellness is part of whole-person health. No: Anxiety, depression, and stress are manageable with early attention.
Your PCP can screen you and connect you with behavioral health professionals if needed.
7. Are You Bringing a Medication List to Each Visit?
Yes: Ensures safe prescribing and prevents drug interactions. No: Your PCP may be unaware of OTC meds or supplements you’re taking.
Tip: Include vitamins, herbal products, and allergy meds in your list.
8. Do You Follow Up on All Test Results and Referrals?
Yes: Following through can prevent complications. No: Delays in care can lead to higher costs and worsening conditions.
We call and follow up, but proactive patients benefit most.
9. Have You Established Health Goals With Your PCP?
Yes: Goal-setting is a cornerstone of long-term wellness. No: Let’s create SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Examples:
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Lose 10 pounds in 3 months
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Lower blood pressure by 10 points
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Walk 30 minutes 5 days/week
10. Are You Leveraging Technology for Communication?
Yes: Patient portals and telehealth keep care convenient. No: You may be missing appointment reminders or lab results.
We offer:
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Online scheduling
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Secure messaging
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Telehealth appointments
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Test result tracking
Top Reasons to Prioritize Primary Care
Lower Medical Bills
Every ER visit avoided by managing conditions early saves hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Better Outcomes With Chronic Illness
Primary care improves survival rates for heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Early Cancer Detection
Routine screenings through your PCP can catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Improved Mental Health
Your primary care provider is trained to recognize symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and refer appropriately.
More Personalized, Efficient Healthcare
Knowing your history helps your PCP make faster, more accurate decisions, reducing duplicated tests and referrals.
Maximizing Insurance Coverage Through Primary Care
Most insurance plans offer free preventive care, making your PCP visits an ideal way to stay healthy at minimal cost.
What You’re Likely Covered For:
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Yearly physical
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Immunizations
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Screenings based on age and gender
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Routine blood work
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Behavioral counseling
Tip: Call your insurer or our office at 646-885-1399 to learn more about what your plan covers.
Your Action Plan to Maximize Primary Care Benefits
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Schedule your annual checkup with Dr. Raymond Lau.
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Bring a health journal or questions to your appointment.
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Create health goals and track them with us.
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Follow through on referrals and labs.
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Check your patient portal weekly for updates.
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Contact us for changes in your health, even minor ones.
Why Choose Raymond Lau Family Medicine PC?
We’re more than a clinic. We’re a health partner you can trust. Located in the heart of New York City’s Lower East Side, we serve patients with comprehensive, compassionate care that focuses on prevention, accessibility, and affordability.
Same-day appointments available Personalized, whole-person care Seamless referrals to specialists Bilingual care team Convenient location near public transit
384 Grand St Front #3, New York, NY 10002
646-885-1399
raymondlaufmpc.com
FAQs: Maximizing Your Primary Care Benefits
What is included in a primary care visit?
Typically, it includes a review of your medical history, physical exam, routine screenings, medication management, and health counseling.
Does insurance cover primary care?
Yes. Most insurance plans cover preventive services like annual exams, vaccines, and screenings at no cost to the patient.
How often should I see my PCP?
At a minimum, once a year. If managing a chronic condition, you may need to visit every 3-6 months.
Can primary care help with mental health?
Absolutely. PCPs screen for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and refer to behavioral specialists when needed.
How do I know which screenings I need?
Your PCP will recommend screenings based on your age, gender, lifestyle, and family history.
What should I bring to a primary care appointment?
A list of medications, a brief health history, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and questions you want to discuss.
Final Thoughts:
Maximizing your primary care benefits isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about living a longer, healthier, more empowered life. Take control today. Your future self will thank you.
