Are you getting the preventive care you need? Unfortunately, many people are missing out when it comes to regular checkups and screenings.
Check out the recommendations we’ve compiled for men and women in different age groups. Then see what’s covered by your plan. These suggestions are based on recommendations from several preventive care task forces and expert organizations.
However, remember that everyone’s health is different. The most important part of preventive care is a regular visit to a primary care doctor who can make recommendations tailored just for you.
Men 18-39
| Physical exam |
Annually |
| Flu shot |
Annually, in fall |
| Other immunizations |
Ask your doctor which ones are right for you |
| Dental exam and cleaning |
Every six months or annually |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
| Vision exam |
If you have vision problems or wear corrective lenses |
| Diabetes/blood glucose screening |
If you are overweight or have risk factors for diabetes or high blood pressure |
| Cholesterol screening |
If you smoke, are overweight, or have risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes |
| STD screening |
If you have risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases |
| Skin exam |
Periodically, if you have risk factors for skin cancer |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
Women 18-39
| Physical exam |
Annually |
| Flu shot |
Annually, in fall |
| Other immunizations |
Ask your doctor which ones are right for you |
| Dental exam and cleaning |
Every six months or annually |
| Reproductive health screening |
Annual pelvic exam and periodic screenings like Pap tests |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
| Vision exam |
If you have vision problems or wear corrective lenses |
| Diabetes/blood glucose screening |
If you are overweight or have risk factors for diabetes or high blood pressure |
| Cholesterol screening |
If you smoke, are overweight, or have risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes |
| Skin exam |
Periodically, if you have risk factors for skin cancer |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
Men 40 and over
| Physical exam |
Annually |
| Flu shot |
Annually, in fall |
| Other immunizations |
Ask your doctor which ones are right for you |
| Dental exam and cleaning |
Every six months or annually |
| Cholesterol screening |
Every 5 years |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
| Colon cancer screening |
Starting at age 50, either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT test annually |
| Diabetes/blood glucose screening |
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have risk factors for diabetes |
| STD screening |
If you have risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases |
| Skin exam |
Periodically, if you have risk factors for skin cancer |
| Baseline eye disease screening |
At age 50 |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
Women 40 and over
| Physical exam |
Every 1-2 years |
| Cholesterol screening |
If you smoke, are overweight, or have risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes |
| Flu shot |
Annually, in fall or winter |
| Other immunizations |
Ask your doctor which ones are right for you |
| Dental exam and cleaning |
Every six months or annually |
| Reproductive health screening |
Annual pelvic exam and periodic screenings like Pap tests |
| Mammogram |
Every 1-2 years |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
| Colon cancer screening |
Starting at age 50, either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT test annually |
| Diabetes/blood glucose screening |
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have risk factors for diabetes |
| Bone density test |
Once at age 65, earlier if you have risk factors for osteoporosis |
| Skin exam |
Periodically, if you have risk factors for skin cancer |
| Baseline eye disease screening |
At age 50 |
PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
