Do you want to make a small investment in time that could help you stay healthy in the years ahead? Make an appointment with your health care provider to get the preventive care you need. This includes periodic checkups, tests and screenings. The screenings you need depend on your age, gender, family history and any risk factors you may have.
Colorectal cancer screening
Cologuard®, an effective at-home testing option, is covered at no cost share when ordered by your PCP. Cologuard is available by prescription only.
Skin cancer screenings
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Skin cancer is also one of the easiest to treat if you find it early.
Screening frequency based on gender and age
Periodic health evaluations
Gender: Men + Women
Talk to your doctor about the right interval of screening for you based on your age and potential risk factors.
Blood pressure
Gender: Men + Women
Ages 18+: At every medical visit.
Cholesterol
Gender: Men + Women
Ages 18+: Talk with your doctor about the frequency of screening.
Diabetes (Type 2)
Gender: Men + Women
Ages < 40: Consider screening after talking with your doctor about characteristics that put you at higher risk.
Ages 40 - 70: Screenings recommended if risk factors present (i.e., overweight and obesity).
Sexually transmitted infections
Gender: Men + Women
Discuss screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and HPV with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccination schedule (through age 26.)
Skin exams
Gender: Men + Women
Ages 18+: Discuss screening with your doctor.
Cervical cancer (pelvic exam and pap test)
Gender: Women
Ages 18+: Discuss with your doctor.
Ages 21-29: Every 3 years.
Ages 30-65: Every 3 years, depending on risk factors. Talk with your doctor about the option of screening with a combination of Pap and HPV testing every 5 years.
Ages 65+: Discuss benefits of continued screening with your doctor.
Prostate cancer
Gender: Men
Ages 55-69: Talk with your doctor; screening with the PSA test is generally not recommended but may be an option after shared decision making with your doctor. This should include a clear explanation and understanding of the benefits and harms of the PSA test.
Ages 70+: Screenings are not recommended.
Colorectal cancer (colonoscopy & Cologuard)
Gender: Men + Women
Ages 18-44: Discuss screening with your doctor.
Ages 45-75: Talk with your doctor about selecting the right screening test and interval for you.
Ages 76-85: Talk to your doctor about benefits and limitations of screenings.
Breast exam and mammogram
Gender: Women
Age 18+: Consider a clinical breast exam at every periodic health evaluation. Discuss the benefits and limitations of self-examinations with your doctor.
Ages 18-39: If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of a mammogram or other screening tests.
Ages 40-49: Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of a mammogram every 2 years.
Ages 50-74: Mammogram every 2 years or more frequently as recommended by your doctor based on risk factors and shared decision making.
Ages 75+: Talk to your doctor to see if mammograms are recommended.
Osteoporosis
Gender: Women
Ages 65+: Talk to your doctor about a BMD test if not previously tested.
A note about coverage
On most plans, preventive care is covered in full. This means that you pay no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for preventive care. You may receive non-preventive services during a routine visit that do require a copayment, coinsurance or deductible. If you have any questions, regarding whether a specific service is considered preventive, please check your benefit document or call Member Services at the number listed on your member ID card.
Disclaimer: These preventive care recommendations should be discussed with your doctor who can advise on what frequency of screening is needed based on your medical and family history.
Source: US Preventive Services Task Force, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/