Better Care at Every Age
Good care starts with preventive care. Preventive care — also called routine care — helps your doctor prevent problems or find them before they become serious.
Preventive care includes
- Physical exams and checkups
- Lab and screening tests
- Shots and immunizations
Everyone needs regular preventive care
- Choose a primary care doctor as soon as you join a health plan. Then make a new-patient appointment so you get to know the doctor and the doctor gets to know you.
- Learn about care during pregnancy and care for children, adults 18–50, and adults over 50.
- Don't let language barriers keep you from getting preventive care. Learn about the language assistance that plans offer.
- Don't let access barriers keep you from getting preventive care. Learn about the disability assistance that plans offer.
Different people need different types of care
- The care you need and when you should get it depends on your age, health problems, and family medical history.
- It may also depend on your sex, ethnicity, and national origin. For example, the risk of heart disease is different for men and women. Some ethnic groups have a higher risk for diabetes.
- If you are at risk for a disease or condition, you should start screening tests earlier. You may also need them more often.
Work with your doctor to plan your preventive care
About once a year, talk to your doctor about the preventive care you or your child needs.
- Agree on a plan that works for you.
- Get referrals for the lab tests, screening tests or other care you need.
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