Checking Up on Your Annual Health Check-Ups

Whether you’re getting your annual wellness exam or having your cholesterol checked, it’s important to keep up with your recommended screenings in order to catch small health problems before they become big ones.

Make sure you get all of your annual health check-ups and exams. If you still need some additional tests, make your appointments now. Doctor office appointments fill up quickly.

Here are a few checkups to consider getting between now and the end of the year:

Annual Wellness Visit. If you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months, you can get an annual wellness visit. During your Annual Wellness Visit, your doctor may:

• Review your medical and family history.
• Measure your height, weight, blood pressure and visual ability.
• Update a list of your current medications.
• Discuss your lifestyle, abilities and needs such as weight loss, fall prevention and eating habits.

Some screening tests you should discuss with your doctor:

• Bone density exam. This is a test for osteoporosis, or weak bones. The results can help your doctor make recommendations based on your risk factors.

• A1C diabetes test. This is used to diagnose Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as to assess how well you’re managing your diabetes.

• Blood pressure test. While many people check their blood pressure at home or at the local pharmacy, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor.

• Colorectal screening.  This is used to spot colorectal polyps or cancer.

• Mammogram. This is an important tool for diagnosing breast cancer.

• Eye exam.  Illnesses in the eyes (macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma) become more common as people age. Screening may help preserve your vision or uncover warning signs of problems. Talk with your doctor about how often you need to have your eyes checked.

• Hearing exam. Hearing loss can have serious consequences, such as difficulty hearing doorbells, understanding conversations, alarms and more. If you’re having trouble hearing, talk to your doctor about whether you need to have your hearing tested.

• Cholesterol screening. As a major cause of heart attacks and strokes, cholesterol levels should monitored regularly, especially if your levels are already high or you have known risks. Talk with your doctor about how often you need to have your cholesterol levels measured.

Talk with your doctor about screenings you may need to add into your annual prevention plan.