- October 6, 2016
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Colonoscopies, mammograms, blood pressure checks … the list of tests and health screenings you can get seems almost endless. But how much value do these sorts of screenings really bring to your health?
A lot.
Think of health screenings sort of like a seat belt in your car. Just like seat belts, screenings are there to protect you and keep minor problems from becoming very big ones. Also, most health screenings and preventive services, such as flu shots, are provided at no cost to you as a Medicare member.
The first step to figuring out what screenings and preventive services you need is to ask your doctor what screenings are right for you. To help you get that conversation started, here is a list of some of the most common preventive services, who should get them and when.
Breast cancer
How: Mammogram
Who: Women, ages 50-74
When: Every year
Bone health (osteoporosis)
How: Bone density testing
Who: Women over 65
When: Every two years or more often if medically necessary
Colorectal cancer
How: Colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test or flexible sigmoidoscopy
Who: Men and women, ages 50-75
When: For a person with average risk, colonoscopy is covered every 10 years. A fecal occult blood test is covered once a year and a flexible sigmoidoscopy is covered. Family history of colon cancer warrants an earlier evaluation than the recommended guidelines.
Depression
How: Screening with your doctor
Who: Men and women
When: Every year
Diabetes
How: Hemoglobin A1c (blood sugar) test, nephropathy (kidney damage) screening, a retinal or dilated eye exam by an eye care professional, or podiatry exam to evaluate for signs and symptoms of infection.
Who: Overweight men and women, ages 40-70
When: Every year
Weight
How: BMI, weight check
Who: Men and women
When: Every year
Carol Lemerond, ARNP, is a community nurse practitioner based in the Florida Blue Center located in Winter Park Village. Carol provides on-site health screenings for Florida Blue members as well as one-on-one health coaching to discuss a member’s health priorities, assist in overcoming barriers and making permanent changes to improve a member’s health. She also leads lifestyle improvement programs at the Florida Blue Center that are free and open to the public to learn more about nutrition, blood pressure management, stress management and diabetes prevention.
