The gynecologist: Annual visits starting at age 25 are essential, particularly for birth control prescriptions, cervical cancer screening via Pap smears, and mammograms from age 40 to help prevent breast cancer.
The dentist: Don't skip your yearly check-up and cleaning, especially if you smoke, as it promotes tartar buildup and raises the risk of gingivitis.
The ophthalmologist: Symptoms like blurry vision, squinting, or headaches from screen time warrant a visit. These exams can also detect hypertension, glaucoma, or diabetes. If you wear glasses, plan for annual check-ups, as advised by your eye doctor.
The dermatologist: If you have many moles, establish monitoring—annually or every two years—to reduce melanoma (skin cancer) risk.
The cardiologist: Intense sports like squash or chronic stress can strain your heart. For peace of mind, especially with family history or around age 40, consider an exercise stress test (electrocardiogram), the gold standard for assessing heart function.
Your primary care physician (GP): Except for dentists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and psychiatrists, see your GP first. They coordinate referrals under the 'coordinated care pathway,' ensuring optimal Social Security reimbursements.
Insights courtesy of Dr. Jean-Louis Busch, general practitioner in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
