Preventive care involves measures and screenings that aim to maintain health and detect potential problems early. Starting healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, stress management, and periodic health evaluations are essential components of preventive care.

Think of it like regular servicing for your vehicle—just as you regularly service your car with oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks to ensure it operates well for a prolonged period, preventive care provides the routine health checks and services needed to monitor and maintain your health and catch any issues early on.

Included under preventive care are various services typically covered without additional cost to you as part of your routine health examinations. Covered preventive services often include:

• Yearly physical exams
• Immunizations
• Routine care for infants and children
• Specific cancer screenings at recommended intervals for cancers like skin, breast, colon, prostate, lung, and cervical
• Other screenings for conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes

However, certain tests and services might not be classified as preventive care. When you have symptoms or risk factors and tests are ordered to diagnose a condition, this is called diagnostic care. For instance, if a woman undergoes a mammogram after discovering a lump, the mammogram is classified as diagnostic. Similarly, bloodwork for diagnostic purposes or tests for conditions not covered by the well exam might incur out-of-pocket costs. Some STI tests are preventive for specific age groups or individuals with certain risk factors. Always check with your doctor about what is covered.

At your preventive care exam, you can expect to go through various checks and assessments which could include:

• Measuring height, weight, and BMI
• Checking your heart rate and a physical examination of your heart
• Lab work to gauge your general health
• Blood pressure measurement
• Examination of your lungs
• Relevant cancer screenings
• Administration of necessary vaccinations

To be prepared for your preventive care visit, consider:

• Bringing your member ID and photo ID
• Listing all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re using
• Providing a detailed health history
• Coming with questions or concerns you may have
• Bringing a companion for assistance if needed

When discussing screenings and vaccines, don’t hesitate to ask for personalized recommendations, understand when you’ll get results, inquire about how your family history affects your health risk, ask for advice on improving your health, ask for follow-up instructions, and know when to book your next appointment and how to reach your healthcare provider if questions arise post-visit.