Help maintain your health with regular physical exams

Did you know you’re supposed to see your doctor even when you’re healthy?

Through regular checkups, your doctor can learn about your personal and family medical history, screen for potential or ongoing medical issues, and even help you determine your risk for future health problems. Establishing a relationship with a regular physician also makes it easier for them to notice changes in your health.

But how often should you go, and what should you expect out of a visit?

How often should you see your doctor?

How often you visit your doctor depends on your health and medical history. Try starting with an annual exam. If you have known conditions, or a lifestyle that may not positively impact your health, your doctor may want to see you more often.

When you plan your annual exam, remember that all Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans cover a number of services each year. These are covered without charging a copayment or coinsurance, even if you have a deductible, and include things like:[2]

• Blood pressure screenings
• Cholesterol screenings
• Diabetes (Type 2) screenings
• Obesity screenings and counseling
• Immunizations

This is not the entire detailed list of covered services or services your doctor may want to utilize. Please check your plan details to find an exhaustive list. You can also discuss your coverage and expected costs with the doctor’s office before scheduling an exam.

What exams or services are recommended during my annual exam?

Your doctor may have specific plans for your exam, but there are a few general screenings and services that the National Library of Medicine recommends. For adults, those include:

• Physical exam (including your height, weight, BMI, and a skin exam)
• Blood pressure screening
• Cholesterol screening
• Diabetes screening
• Infectious disease screening (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C and HIV)
• Colorectal cancer screening (after the age of 45 unless there is a strong family history)
• Lung cancer screening (after the age of 50 if there is a history of smoking)
• Bone density screening (after the age of 40 for women and 50 for men)
• Immunizations

For women, other recommended screenings include:

• Cervical cancer (starting at 21)
• Breast cancer (after the age of 40)

For men, other recommended screenings include:

• Testicular exam
• Prostate cancer screening (after the age of 55)

Ready to schedule your next annual physical exam?

Already have a regular doctor? Keeping an eye on your health, and helping your doctor identify health problems early, is only one call away. But if the cost of regular doctor visits is keeping you away, consider enrolling in a health insurance policy.

A licensed health insurance agent can help you find a plan that meets your coverage needs and budget. Their help won’t make your plan more expensive, and their services come at no cost to you. Call today at (800) 827-9990 or find a licensed health insurance agent near you.