The Importance of Preventative Care
Most people only visit the doctor when they’re sick or injured, but preventative care is key to maintaining your health and catching medical conditions early, before they become serious issues. In fact, preventing disease is one of the most important things you can do for your health—yet, fewer than 10% of adults take full advantage of preventative care services.
What is Preventative Care?
Preventative care includes the treatments and services you receive to stay healthy and reduce your risk of disease. This can include vaccinations, cancer screenings, and annual checkups with your primary care physician. Preventative care plays a crucial role in long-term health and wellness, and what’s considered preventative care can vary depending on factors like your age, gender, health status, and medical history.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines what services count as preventative care, with specific guidelines for adults, children, and women. Common examples include:
- Vaccinations
- Routine blood work
- Maternity care
- Wellness visits
- Cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies
How Much Does Preventative Care Cost?
Most health plans cover preventative care at 100%, which means you won’t have to pay copays or coinsurance for these services. However, if you receive a bill, it could be for a few reasons:
- The test or procedure you had wasn’t considered preventative
- You’re on a “grandfathered” health plan, which doesn’t cover preventative care at 100%
- There was a billing error
- If you believe you were billed in error, contact your provider’s billing department for clarification
It’s also important to remember that certain tests normally considered preventative could be classified as diagnostic if you already have a specific diagnosis. For example, if you’ve had breast cancer and are in remission, future mammograms may be classified as diagnostic tests, which could result in a bill.
Stay on Top of Your Preventative Care
Preventative care is essential for your overall health and well-being, helping you stay healthier and detect problems early. If you’re unsure what preventative care services you’re due for, reach out to your primary care doctor for guidance. Additionally, if you’re unsure whether your upcoming appointment or procedure is considered preventative, contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and benefits.