Myth #5: There's No Need To Follow Up

Follow-up appointments with your physician may seem like a waste of time, especially after your symptoms are totally gone. It's understandable; after all, you just got back to work still trying to catch up with a looming deadline, or are busy studying for an exam that you missed while you were in the hospital.

In a sense, follow-up consultations are a necessary evil. No one likes them; not even your doctor! Unfortunately, there are a lot of medical conditions that require additional treatment or re-evaluation after the troublesome symptoms have resolved.

Some hepatitis viruses, for example, can remain in your body for a long time after the initial infection and may need prolonged suppression with antiviral drugs. Healed bone fractures, on the other hand, may not have aligned properly, necessitating repeat x-rays and re-casting. Individuals with asthma exacerbations need to be re-assessed to see whether steroids or other potent medications should be added to or removed from their current regimen.

It's not fun going to the doctor's office. However, it's a lot less fun going to the emergency room with complications that could have been avoided. For your own good, don't miss that follow up. Stay tuned.