Preventative screenings.

Members are eligible to receive an annual preventative visit with a primary care provider at no cost. This visit serves as an opportunity to discuss personal health, review medications, family history, and address any other health concerns. The visit may include a comprehensive physical exam, lab work, and an update of one’s medical history. This annual visit also provides an opportunity to assess preventative health indicators such as vaccines and recommended screenings. Early signs of health concerns can be detected and addressed to help prevent health concerns from becoming worse.

Research shows that patients who visit their primary care provider regularly have fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits than those who do not. You are eligible for an annual physical every year at no cost to you. You can visit the provider directory at hf.org/directory  to find a PCP in your area.

This quick and painless X-ray scan tells you and your provider about the health of your bones. Healthy bones can help you prevent falls and preserve your independence.
Review your osteoporosis screening history with your doctor to select the best care plan for you.

A mammogram can help detect breast cancer early when its easier to treat. Early detection saves lives. Mammogram screenings are recommended at least every two years for women 40 to 74 years old. 

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix grow out of control. Women with a cervix can be at risk for cervical cancer and occurs most often in women over age 30. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable. Screening tests (HPV and Pap) and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer.

The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. Both tests can be done in a providers office or clinic. Women should begin getting Pap tests at age 21.

• The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

What is cervical precancer? When there are cervical cells that look abnormal but are not yet cancerous, it is called cervical precancer. These abnormal cells may be the first sign of cancer that develops years later. Cervical precancer usually doesn't cause pain or other symptoms. It is found with a Pap test.

The cervical cancer survival rate is higher if caught early and can even be prevented by a regular screening schedule. Screenings can find abnormal cervical cell changes that can be treated before turning into cervical cancer. It´s recommended that:

• Women ages 21 to 29 should have cervical cancer testing (Pap test screening) every three years.
•  Women ages 30 to 65 should have Pap test screening combined with the HPV test every five years. Speak to your doctor about HPV testing alone if you no longer receive Pap test screenings.
• Women older than 65 should consult with their doctor on the need for contiunied screening if certain condditions are met (3 negative tests in the past 10 years and no history of cervical precancer or a total hysterectomy for non cancerous reasons).
• Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix) do not require screenings unless recommended by their provider.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Having a colorectal screening is the most effective way you can reduce your risk of colon cancer. It is recommend that adults 45 to 75 years old be screened. Adults over age 75 should consult with their provider.

There are several different tests to screen for colorectal cancer. Speak to your provider to determine which screening is right for you.

• Colonoscopy - recommended every 10 years.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – recommended every 5 years, or every 10 years with a FIT every year.
• Cologuard - recommended every three years.
  • This screening choice is appropriate for low-risk patients with no personal or family history of polyps.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or FOBT –  recommended every calendar year.
  • These tests can be done in the comfort of your own home. Your provider can supply a test kit for you to obtain a small amount of stool and return the kit to the doctor or lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood.

Research has found that depression affects the ability to function in all areas of your daily life for people as young as 12 years old. Depression is affecting an estimated 120 million individuals worldwide.

Depression symptoms may improve significantly when collaborating with your primary care provider and mental health specialist to screen, diagnose and treat as needed. We recommend you speak with your provider about a depression screening at your next visit. You can visit the provider directory at hf.org/directory to find a PCP in your area. Or call Optum to find a behavioral health provider at 1.877.890.6970 (TDD/TTY:711).

It is important to also learn how your blood sugar changes throughout the day so you can adjust as you go. Controlling your blood sugar reduces your chances of damage to your heart, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels. Partner with your healthcare provider to track your A1c (average sugar level) over the past three months. This screening is different from blood sugar checks you do each day and can help you make healthy changes to your diet, exercise and treatment. 

 A1c tests are recommended for individuals over 45 years old as well as for those who are younger, overweight, and have any other risk factor for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

Remember, the A1c test does not replace daily home monitoring. 

One in three people have some form of diabetes and don't even know. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny veins in your eyes and can cause permanent vision problems. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of vision loss and eye diseases (retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts). 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends yearly dilated eye exams. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can help to detect and treat diabetes-related eye diseases. 

Conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Having your kidneys checked regularly helps better the chances of finding and treating CKD early.

Detecting protein and other waste products from creatinine in the blood and urine may indicate kidney damage from high blood sugar levels. Team up with your healthcare provider to monitor your kidney health by having two simple covered tests. Kidney health can be measured with a urine protein test that checks for albumin and creatinine and a lab draw to measure creatinine levels. 

Regular dental visits are important to assist with early detection of gum disease or tooth decay. Links have also been seen between cardiovascular disease and gum disease. Even without symptoms, you may still have dental problems.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate grow out of control. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men 55 to 69 years old talk to their doctor to make individual decisions about prostate cancer screening. You’re more likely to get prostate cancer if you are 65 or older, have a family history or prostate cancer, are black or African American.

The most common screening method is the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures PSA levels in your blood. PSA is a substance the prostate makes. If your PSA level is high, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to check for cancerous cells.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a skin cancer screening is used to look for signs of skin cancer; it is not used to diagnose cancer. A skin cancer screening is a visual exam of the skin that can be done by yourself or a healthcare provider. The screening checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual in color, size, shape, or texture. Certain unusual marks may be signs of skin cancer. Any abnormalities found will require further testing from your healthcare provider.

Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all year, not just during the summer or at the beach. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States.

Regular eye exams are an important part of finding eye diseases in early stages and can help maintain your vision. An eye care provider may even be able to identify other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, sometimes before symptoms become apparent. Per CDC, early detection is important to prevent some common eye diseases, as seen below:

• Cataracts (clouding of the lens), the leading cause of vision loss in the United States
• Diabetic retinopathy (causes damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye), the leading cause of blindness in American adults
• Glaucoma (a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve)
• Age-related macular degeneration (gradual breakdown of light-sensitive tissue in the eye)

Ask your ophthalmologist about a regular eye exam. To find one in your area, visit the provider directory at hf.org/directory.