Mercer Health Physician Highlights Importance Of Wellness Exams And Primary Care

Dr. Brittney Vogel with Mercer Health joined WCSM’s Spectrum program to talk about the importance of annual wellness exams, sports physicals and having a primary care provider.

Vogel practices at Mercer Health’s Celina Medical Center on Pro Drive and is accepting new patients.

During the program, Vogel said annual wellness exams are important even when someone feels healthy. She said Medicare has covered wellness exams since 2011, with no copay, and many private insurance plans also cover the visits at 100 percent.

Vogel said the visits give patients and providers a chance to prevent future problems, talk about concerns and begin testing or treatment when needed.

She said family history is also important, especially when it comes to heart disease. If a patient has parents or close relatives who had heart attacks at a young age, providers can talk about diet, exercise, medications, smoking cessation, alcohol use and sleep apnea before problems get worse.

Vogel said primary care is about meeting people where they are. Instead of trying to change everything at once, she said providers may focus on one manageable step, such as reducing caffeine, cutting back on tobacco or alcohol, improving sleep or making small diet changes.

She also discussed tobacco use, saying it often takes multiple attempts before quitting sticks. Vogel said patients should not feel embarrassed if they struggle and should keep working with their provider on options such as setting a quit date, medications, patches or gum.

Wellness visits may also include routine labs and screenings for conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Vogel said those screenings can help find problems before they become more serious.

Vogel also talked about sports physicals for students. She said providers look for several key issues, including family history of sudden cardiac death, heart concerns, previous injuries and mental health needs. She encouraged families to complete sports physicals through a primary care office when possible, because that allows a provider to follow up if concerns are found.

Vogel said family medicine can also give patients continuity of care from childhood into adulthood. That long term relationship helps providers understand a patient’s history, family background and health patterns.

Diet was another focus of the conversation. Vogel said providers often talk about nutrition during wellness visits, whether the concern is diabetes, blood pressure, weight management or general health. She said the details matter, and patients may need help finding realistic options that fit their schedule and lifestyle.

Vogel also reminded patients that the internet can be useful for recipes and meal ideas, but major health decisions should still be discussed with a medical provider. She said extreme diets can create health concerns for some patients, especially when they affect the kidneys.

Mercer Health also offers weight management resources, including dietitians and additional support for patients who need help with long term health goals.

Vogel also noted that Mercer Health Urgent Care has shifted its hours to 8 AM to 8 PM. She said urgent care can help with timely needs that do not require the emergency room, but she still encourages patients to establish care with a primary care provider for ongoing health needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Mercer Health.