Staying healthy is about more than just treating illness, it's about prevention, early detection, and building a lasting relationship with a healthcare provider who knows you and your family. For current patients, prospective patients, families, and employers considering healthcare options, understanding how often to visit your family doctor is central to lifelong wellness.
Why Regular Visits Matter
- Early Detection: Many conditions develop silently. Regular checkups help catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease before they become serious.
- Preventive Care: Routine visits allow for screenings, vaccinations, and personalized health advice, helping you avoid illness.
- Chronic Disease Management: If you have ongoing health concerns, consistent monitoring ensures your treatment is effective and complications are minimized.
- Relationship Building: Seeing the same doctor over time fosters trust and understanding, making it easier to discuss concerns and follow care plans.
General Guidelines: How Often Should You Visit?
Age/Health Status
Recommended Frequency
Babies (0-2 years)
Frequent well-child visits (up to 9/year) for growth, development, and immunizations
Children (3-15 years)
1-2 times per year for checkups and vaccinations
Healthy Adults (<50 years)
Every 2-3 years for routine checkups if no chronic conditions
Adults (50+ years)
Annually for a comprehensive exam
Seniors (60+ years)
Annually or more frequently as advised, especially if managing chronic conditions
Anyone with chronic illness or risk factors
As recommended by your doctor, often more than once a year
These are general recommendations—your doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your unique health needs.
What to Expect at Burkhart Direct Family Care
Burkhart Direct Family Care operates under the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, providing high-quality, patient-centered care directly from your physician, without interference from insurance companies or hidden fees. Patients pay a recurring monthly membership fee, which covers a wide range of services, including:
- Same-Day and Telehealth Appointments: Get care when you need it, without long waits.
- In-Office Diagnostic Evaluations: Physical exams, EKGs, pulmonary function testing, point-of-care ultrasound, and lab testing.
- Physician Visits: Annual or semi-annual well visits, chronic disease management, sick visits, and even home visits at the provider’s discretion.
- Pediatric Care: Newborn care, well-child visits, sick visits, and sports physicals.
- Administrative Support: Referrals, care coordination, and help with labs and imaging.
- Medication Benefits: Free generic medications delivered to your home (up to six free shipments per year for members).
- Women’s Health and Hormone Therapy: Contraception management and hormone replacement therapy for men and women.
- Transparent, Predictable Pricing: No copays or surprise bills; additional services are provided at cost.
- Personalized, Patient-Centered Care: Smaller patient panels mean more time with your doctor and care that’s tailored to you.
Note: Burkhart Direct Family Care does not provide vaccinations on-site but will guide you to the appropriate resources for immunizations. Prenatal care is coordinated with outside providers, but the practice continues to care for other health needs during pregnancy.
Benefits for Families and Employers
- Whole-Family Care: Dr. Burkhart is board-certified and licensed to provide comprehensive family medicine, so everyone in your household can receive care in one place.
- Continuity and Convenience: Membership ensures direct access to your physician, flexible scheduling, and no hidden costs.
- Workplace Wellness: Employers who partner with Burkhart Direct Family Care can offer their employees a cost-effective, high-quality healthcare solution, reducing absenteeism and improving productivity.
When Should You Go More Often?
- Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and similar issues require more frequent check-ins.
- Family History or Risk Factors: If you have a family history of serious illnesses or lifestyle risks, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
- New Symptoms: If you notice changes in your health, don’t wait—schedule a visit promptly.
The Burkhart Direct Family Care Difference
At Burkhart Direct Family Care, you’re not just a number. Our Direct Primary Care model means you get:
- Same-day and telehealth appointments for urgent needs
- Transparent, affordable monthly pricing with no hidden fees
- Free generic medications delivered to your door
- Comprehensive care for all ages, from newborns to seniors
- Personalized attention from a board-certified family physician who knows your story
- Preventive care and education to keep you and your family healthy
- Easy access to referrals, administrative support, and chronic disease management
We don’t offer in-office vaccines, but we’ll help you find the right place to get them. Women’s health and hormone therapy are also part of our comprehensive offerings.
Take the Next Step
Regular visits to your family doctor are an investment in your long-term health and peace of mind. Whether you’re due for a checkup or have specific concerns, scheduling a visit is the best way to stay proactive about your well-being.
Ready to take charge of your health?
Book your next appointment with Burkhart Direct Family Care and experience the benefits of personalized, preventive healthcare for you and your family.
Remember: Health isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about building a partnership with your doctor to keep you and your loved ones thriving at every stage of life.
