Your new summer habit: Scheduling essential health screenings

When it comes to managing your health, one of the most important habits you can adopt is scheduling regular screenings. Given the rise in chronic conditions and cancers, especially among younger people, preventive care has never been more critical. Early detection and prevention of serious issues help you maintain your overall well-being. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you are proactively taking steps to stay healthy while keeping your health care costs lower.

Through regular preventive care, you can also build a strong relationship with your doctors. This connection allows for more personalized care tailored to your specific health needs, taking into account your age, medical history, and genetic information. By prioritizing preventive care, you are investing in a healthier future.

Get to know your recommended health screenings

Stanford’s medical plans cover in-network preventive care at 100% (for children under 18 too!), making it easy and affordable to keep up with routine health screenings.

It’s important for adults to receive screenings each year in order to record a baseline of their health. Screenings include blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular evaluation, comprehensive physical exam, depression screening, skin cancer screening, clinical breast exam, and testicular cancer screening. Some tests, such as lipid panels, blood glucose tests, and eye exams, should be conducted every two to five years. As you age, there are additional recommended screenings, such as colonoscopies and hearing tests.  You can see a list of screenings by age on Cardinal at Work.

Children under 18 are also encouraged to have regular well-child visits with their primary care physician to track growth, get vaccinated, and receive information about good health practices as they develop.

Simple tips to keep up with preventive health screenings

Staying on track with annual preventive care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. Use these practical tips to make preventive care a routine part of your life, so you never miss an important check-up:

1.  Plan and schedule your appointments: Make appointments at the same time each year.  As you leave your doctor's office, schedule your next screening so you're on track for the next one.
2. Set reminders: Use your calendar to remind you to schedule and attend your health screenings.
3. Maintain personal health records: Keep track of your lab results and visits to monitor your health over time. These records also come in handy if you see a new doctor.
4. Prepare questions in advance: Write down any questions you have before your appointments to make the most of your time with your doctor.
5. Use the BeWell platform: The BeWell platform offers a personalized list of recommended screenings and an opportunity to earn rewards for staying up to date with preventive care. Sign in to BeWell, navigate to Health, and select My Care Checklist to get started. 

Need other types of care? Know where to go

Preventive care is just the beginning of supporting your health. When you are ill or have a chronic condition, knowing where to go for care saves you time and money and ensures you receive the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

To learn more about what is covered through your medical plan, use the Comparison Tool on Cardinal at Work. Under the benefits type, select Medical Plans,  then choose your medical insurance plan to get details about your coverage.