Seriously elevating the front of the car is cheap and worthwile to eliminate the potential of any trapped air pockets. .If this does not do it removing and inspecting the condition of the water pump might be worthwhile. Usually will just cost the price of a gaket.

No need to replace it unless a problem is found. Personally I think internal wear and failures inside water pumps are not all that common. One still has to know.

Also some way of verification of the coolant temperature has to be done. On the older cast iron heads and blocks if it does not lose coolant in use I would not particualrily worry about it. Running a little hot is better than running too cool.