Preventive Health Screenings
Putting your well-being first is one of the best ways to invest in yourself. Not only does it help you stay healthy, but it also keeps your health care costs lower.
Prioritizing your preventive care is key. By keeping up to date with the recommended screenings, you can stay on the right track with your health and catch any issues early before they become more serious.
Below are general screening recommendations based on age to help you establish a strong foundation for your health. Be sure to consult with your doctor about any additional screenings you may need based on your personal and family medical history, genetics, or hormone therapy.
Recommended Screenings by Age
- Annually:
- Blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI)
- Cardiovascular evaluation
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Depression screening
- Skin cancer screening
- Clinical breast exam
- Testicular cancer screening
- Every 2-5 years:
- Blood glucose test
- Eye exam
- Lipid panel
- Cervical cancer screening
- As needed:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV tests (based on doctor’s recommendation)
- Breast cancer mammography (every 1 to 2 years)
- Colorectal cancer screening (every 10 years)
- Cardiac calcium scoring
- Hearing test
- Lung cancer screening (if you have smoked)
- Prostate cancer screening
- Thyroid panel
- Bone density test
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening (if you have smoked)
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s screening
Insurance Coverage Info
FAQ
Most health plans must cover a set of preventive services — like shots and screening tests — at no cost to you. Check with your healthcare provider to confirm.
Most plans must over a set of preventive services – like shots and screenings – at no cost to you. For example, depending on your age, you may have access to no-cost preventive services such as: Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests. Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies
- 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.
- Keep your own records of your visits and lab results in case you need to switch doctors.
- Schedule follow up appointments when you check out from your preventive visit.
- Before your appointment, create a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.
USF offers vision benefits through Vision Service Plan (VSP). The benefits of this voluntary plan include an annual eye exam for $20 and a capped allowance for frames and contact lenses every two years at participating providers. Premiums are subsidized and paid through payroll deductions.
Find more information on VSP insurance here.