“Preventive care” has two meanings. First, “preventive care” means any care that helps prevent illness. Exercising is preventive care. Eating a healthy diet is preventive care. On the other hand, immunizations, cancer screens, and annual check-ups are also preventive care. But rather than simple behaviors that can help prevent disease, these involve medical services performed by a healthcare provider.
These services may seem more official than going for a run a few times a week, or eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, but they don’t have to be more expensive. This second meaning of “preventive care” describes certain health services that the medical community considers essential. You won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket for these services.
Well-child visits
Health Net recommends various well-child visits through the first 3 years of life. Children typically see their healthcare providers 3-5 days after birth, and then again at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months. Starting at 36 months (3 years), the recommendations shift to annual appointments.
Well-child visits are great opportunities to check in on developmental milestones, have your child receive immunizations, and ask any questions you might have about your little one’s health. Healthcare providers might also perform routine tests like hearing and vision tests at these appointments.
Annual check-ups for adults
Check-ups allow healthcare providers to check in on different aspects of a person’s health. This includes BMI, nutritional and exercise habits, cardiac health, and other assessments and counseling depending on a person’s risk factors.
Healthcare providers may also screen for things like STDs, depression, and diabetes at physical exams.
Screenings like Pap smears are considered preventive care, and you won’t have to pay anything for these services.
Stay on top of preventive care
Preventive care is a hugely important part of staying healthy. Early diagnosis saves lives, so it’s always a good idea to receive your cancer and other screenings at the right time, and to be open and honest with your healthcare provider at your well-woman visits or physicals.
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