Do doctor visits the right way

Singer Lionel Richie and politician Jeb Bush have invested in a telemedicine startup called Heal that helps doctors interact with patients using a mobile appbased Uber-type service and digital appointments.

It seems everyone is trying to figure out how to make doctor appointments more appealing to patients.

We’re confident it will happen — but right now, people aren’t using telemedicine or in-office appointments for important routine checkups often enough.

The number of primary care visits declined by more than 21% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to previous years. And there was a 50% decline in blood pressure checks and a 37% decline in cholesterol checks. Cases of undiagnosed cardiovascular disease may be brewing out of sight of docs and patients. And who knows what else is being missed?

So, make an appointment today for a telemedicine, in-office or combo visit. With masks, social distancing and other precautions, in-office appointments are safe.

Be prepared for your appointment:

— Keep a journal. Record symptoms or concerns so you remember to ask important questions.

— For telemed: Get instructions on taking and sharing your vitals, such as heart rate and blood oxygen.

— For telemed: Ask about monitoring blood pressure at home, sending in daily glucose readings electronically using a smart monitor and/or using similar devices to share info about atrial fibrillation.

— In person: Get routine blood tests to check lipid, inflammation, blood cell and thyroid levels, kidney and liver function and more. Then you’ll truly be protecting your health.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.