It’s a partnership

A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer

You may think you should only see your doctor when you don’t feel well. But getting an annual checkup with your primary care provider (PCP) is one of the most important ways to stay healthy so that you can be around for more of life’s joys. A PCP can be a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner whom you visit for most medical needs and who manages your health concerns. Building a strong relationship with your PCP and visiting them annually for a thorough checkup ensures that they will get to know you, your background, your health habits and any medical conditions you have. This will help identify health risks early enough to get ahead of them and ensure that if you need it, you get the best possible treatment for you.

It’s important that your PCP really listens to you and understands you. Your doctor should acknowledge any fears or concerns you have and answer your questions clearly and thoroughly. You should feel comfortable discussing things that may be personal, or even embarrassing. And if you need treatment, your doctor should explain all options with you.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your current provider, visit our Healthy Relationships page for tips on what to look for when choosing a new one.

In the Bronx, SBH Health System provides you with whole-person care that includes a state-of-the art Wellness Center offering primary and family care, women’s health and diagnostics services, and an urgent-care center. They also offer a discounted membership at their Healthplex Fitness Center, which includes a fitness assessment, biometric screening and healthy-cooking classes. In addition, SBH has hypertension and diabetes programs customized for you and your family. To make an appointment with a primary care physician, call (718) 960-3730 and tell them you are an 1199SEIU member. If you need onsite help, an Outreach Coordinator is there on Mondays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

In Brooklyn, the state-of-the-art Pierre Toussaint Family Health Center will match you with a primary care physician and follow-up support by a clinical team. In addition to an urgent care center, you can access health coaching and lifestyle programs for hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. To make an appointment with a primary care physician, call (718) 604-5000 and tell them you are an 1199SEIU member. If you need onsite help, an Outreach Coordinator is there on Tuesdays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Thursdays, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

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