Take Charge of Your Health

Many health insurance providers cover a number of preventive health services without charging you a co-payment or co-insurance.

“Some of these services, such as blood pressure screening and cholesterol screening, take place at your annual physical,” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. “Depression screening is another valuable preventive benefit you can take advantage of during your visit.”

Depending on your age and health history, your insurer may also cover:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
• Alcohol and tobacco screening and counseling
• Diabetes screening
• Diet counseling
• Immunizations
• Obesity screening and counseling
• Sexually transmitted infection prevention counseling

Certain cancer screenings, such as those for breast cancer and lung cancer, also qualify as preventive care.

5 Questions to Ask Your Provider

Before your next visit with your primary care provider (PCP), write down any questions you have. Here are a few suggestions:

• How could my family health history affect my health?
• Am I up to date on my screenings?
• Are the supplements I take healthy and/or safe to take with my medications?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce or stop some or all of my medications?

Some people feel embarrassed to ask questions, but doing so lets your doctor know that you have a genuine interest in improving your health.

Don’t let valuable benefits fall to the wayside. Find a primary care provider at archbold.org/providers.