Page 7 - Summa Health

When was the last time
you saw your PCP?

When it comes to feeling your best, your relationship with your primary care physician
(PCP) is vital. Your PCP can help answer your questions, coordinate your care with
other doctors and healthcare professionals, educate you on ways you can manage
your healthcare needs and listen to your concerns.

According to Dr. Russell Platt, internal medicine, Work with your team to set goals and share any concerns
listening is one of the most important things a primary you have in reaching those goals so we can figure out the
care physician can do. And he should know; he’s been best plan for success and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
practicing medicine at Summa Health for over 50 years.
Own your health like it’s the most important thing there is
“Listen to the patient; they’re giving you the diagnosis. to own.
I think that is essential in being a well-rounded doctor,”
Platt explained. To hear more from Dr. Platt, visit
summahealth.org/2015-annual-report
Along with communication comes compassion.

“As the saying goes, people don’t care how much you
know until they know how much care. People just want
you to be at their level and speak in terms they can
understand. There’s nothing worse than having a patient
say that you’re a good doctor, but they can’t talk to you.”

In the last 50 years, Dr. Platt has seen a lot of changes
in healthcare. He said the biggest concerns right now
involve the general public just not knowing the resources
that are available to them and the health screenings they
should be getting.

“You ask what their blood pressure is and they don’t know. Dr. Russell Platt, Internal Medicine
Men don’t remember when they last had their prostate
checked, and women can’t remember when they had
their last mammogram.”

Dr. Platt is a staple at Summa Health-sponsored What screenings are you due for?
community health fairs across the Akron area. Talk to your PCP if it’s time to check
During these health fairs the community receives or have the following:
vital health information and can get some of the
recommended health screenings. • Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
“People are living longer, the demand for healthcare is • Hepatitis C
higher, and a greater awareness is important now more • Vision
than ever.” • Hearing
• Bone density
Working together with a personal physician will help make • Mammogram
sure you receive the highest quality care, but your PCP • Colon cancer screening
can’t do it alone. • Prostate cancer screening

Tell your PCP your medical history, symptoms and other
important information. This may include past illnesses and
surgeries, family medical history and medications
you are taking.

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