Take charge of your health and wellbeing. At your next exam, partner with your primary care provider by starting the conversation about your health. Here are three things you should do now to take care of yourself.
- Complete a preventive exam annually—it is 100% covered*. Preventive health is covered 100% when you are insured and see an in-network provider for your exam. Complete a biometric screening at your next preventive exam—this includes a blood test that measures your blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. These tests and a preventive exam can help your doctor view a better picture of your current health and identify any issues early when they are more treatable.
- Practice early detection with cancer screenings. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. Early detection is proven to reduce death from common cancers including colon and rectum, prostate, and lung cancer. Regularly complete at-home self-exams and connect with your doctor if you notice any changes in your health. Stay up to date on cancer screenings based on your age and health history.
- Talk with your doctor about mental health. Thirty-one percent of men will suffer from depression in their lifetime. It is important to share how you have been feeling mentally and emotionally with your doctor. Declining mental health can sometimes present as physical symptoms. Your doctor can refer you to additional covered preventive services such as counseling for smoking, healthy eating, depression, and anxiety.
* Some services are generally not considered preventive if you get them as part of a visit to diagnose, monitor, or treat an illness or injury. Please be aware that you may be responsible for the cost of any non-preventive care services you receive at your preventive care exam based on your plan design.