Preventative Medicine is the field of medicine designed to keep people as healthy as possible by routine screening. This is commonly known as the "Physical". Different age groups have different health issues so the preventative vist needs to be designed around those hazards. There are many organizations that give recommendations for the preventative visit and we have tried to consolidate those recommendations into something that makes sense to us. Some patients may want this visit to be yearly which is fine. Some insurance companies also pay for this visit yearly.

We recommend:

1. A physical every 5 years until the age of 50, every 2 years from 50 - 60, and every year thereafter.
2. Comprehensive screening bloodwork every 5 years until the age of 50 then every 2 years. (More frequent bloodwork is needed for certain diseases.)
3. PAP smears every 3 years until the age of 65. Guidelines now sugggest that PAP smears are no longer needed after the age of 65 or after a hysterectomy is done unless there is a history of cervical/uterine cancer.
4. PSA blood testing for prostate cancer yearly after the age of 50.
5. Colonoscopy at least every 10 years starting at the age of 50.
6. Bone density testing every 2 years starting at menopause.
7. Mammograms should be yearly starting at age 40.

Medicare-Covered Preventative Services and Links to Details

• "Welcome to Medicare" visit
• Adult Immunization--Influenza Immunization, Pneumococcal Vaccination, Hepatitis B Vaccination
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Screening Mammography
• Screening Pap Test and Pelvic Examination
• Prostate Cancer Screening
• Cardiovascular Disease Screening
• Diabetes Screening
• Glaucoma Screening
• Bone Mass Measurement
• Diabetes Self-Management, Supplies, and Services
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Smoking Cessation

United Healthcare Preventative Care Guidelines

Click here to view the PDF file.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Preventative Care Guidelines

Click here to view the PDF file.