What is Preventive Care?
Think of preventive care as you would car maintenance. You bring in your vehicle for oil changes, tire checks, and brake inspections to catch any issues and help keep your car running smoothly for as long as possible. Preventive care is routine health care that helps you stay on top of your health — and catch anything before it becomes serious. There is no such thing as starting too early!
What is the difference between a Preventive Visit and an Office Visit?
The difference between a regular office visit and a preventive visit with your practitioner is the purpose and scope of the visit. An office visit is focused on diagnosing and treating new or existing health issues, addressing new or worsening symptoms and medication refills, specialist referrals and testing or lab results. A preventive visit is intended for disease prevention and overall well-being by detecting any health concerns early through a complete physical exam, review of medical history, and scheduling screening services.
Components of Your Annual Wellness and Preventive Visit (Ages 40-64)
History: Past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, family and social histories, status of chronic conditions
Exam: Blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, depression screening, eyes, ENT, cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, GU, Musculoskeletal, skin, neurological, psychological, hematological
Counseling/Anticipatory Guidance: Nutrition, physical activity, healthy weight, injury prevention, misuse of tobacco use, alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior and STDs, contraception, dental health, mental health, immunizations, screenings
Screening Services: Cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer screenings (start at age 45), HIV
For Women: Breast Cancer, cervical cancer
For Men: Prostate cancer (start at age 50)
Preparing For The Visit: What to Bring
List of your medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins and supplements
Health history with details about family history and personal history
Questions, concerns, or symptoms you’re experiencing
A family member or friend (to help you remember)
Preparing For The Visit: Questions to Ask
What screenings, tests or vaccines do you recommend?
When will I get my test results from this visit?
Does my family history raise my risk for any health problems?
Are there steps I can take to improve my health?
Do you have follow-up instructions for me? Can I get a copy?
When should I schedule my next appointment?
How can I contact you if I have questions after my visit?
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