A Cleveland Clinic survey found that only 50% of men consider annual checkups from their doctor as a way to care for themselves. And 65% wait as long as possible before going to the doctor with health symptoms or an injury.
Your health isn’t something to take for granted. If you aren’t feeling like yourself, you need to get to a doctor. And it’s important that you go to a doctor regularly for preventive care, even if you feel healthy.
“Prevention and early detection are keys to a healthy life,” said Dr. Lama El Zein, medical director for population health and quality at EmblemHealth. “Checkups and routine screenings can uncover health problems early, when they’re easier to treat.”
What to expect at a checkup
Your doctor will want to hear about your health history and any problems or concerns you have. He or she will ask about your lifestyle, including exercise and diet. Screenings may include:
· Blood pressure and cholesterol: Important for early detection of heart disease, the leading cause of death for men in the U.S.
· Colorectal cancer (ages 45+): Can be prevented in many cases through regular screenings such as a stool test or colonoscopy.
· Diabetes: Early detection means more time for steps to be healthier, like making changes to your diet, exercising more, or taking medicine.
· Behavioral health (including depression and anxiety): These are more common than you may think. And they may be treatable.
· Obesity screening: Calculating body mass index (BMI) using height and weight can help your doctor diagnose obesity early and develop a plan for healthy eating and exercise.
· Prostate cancer: If you are under 70, ask your doctor if they recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening to check for prostate cancer.
· Vaccination review: Your doctor may recommend vaccines based on your age, medical history, and current health concerns. These may include immunizations for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and more.
· Screening for sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can discuss your risk and any tests needed, depending on your situation.
There may be other screenings you need, too, based on your age, health history, and risk factors. “Don’t worry – many screenings tests are quick and easy to do right in your doctor’s office,” said Dr. El Zein. Talk to your doctor about which are right for you.
Don’t skip preventive care
Many important screenings (like an annual checkup) and vaccines (like the flu shot) are covered with your EmblemHealth plan.* So there’s no reason to put your health on hold. Call your primary care provider (PCP) today to schedule your annual exam.
Don’t have a PCP? Use our website or call the number on your member ID card to find in-network care near you.
*The benefits described above apply to ConnectiCare plans sold to individuals under age 65 and employer groups. Check your benefit summary for information about your specific plan. You can find your benefit summary after you sign in to emblemhealth.com.
“Free” preventive care means that you will not have a copay or have to pay money toward your deductible or coinsurance for the services. Sometimes, a preventive care visit leads to other medical care or tests, even at the same appointment. You should check with your doctor or doctor’s staff during your visit to see if there are services you may be billed for.
