If you already have access to preventive services, you are responsible, in large part, for managing your own care. Your primary-care practitioner is your partner, but numerous decisions of paramount importance are up to you. The following should help to decide if you need any of the tests listed below. You should, if possible, have a copy of your test results and records.
These are the major screening tests (that is, routine tests for people without symptoms) and adult immunizations. The advice is based largely on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Most HMOs and Medicare cover these services; fewer traditional insurers pay for them. Infants, children, and pregnant women need other kinds of preventive care not described here.
– Blood pressure measurement (to detect hypertension)Who needs: All adults. How often: Once every 2 years for those with normal blood pressure.Comments: More frequent monitoring for those with readings of 130/85 or higher.
– Cholesterol measurementWho needs: All adults. How often: Once every 5 years. More often if total or LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is high, HDL (“good”) is low, and/or you have risk factors.Comments: Those at high risk for heart disease need medical advice about life-style changes and possibly drug therapy.
– Diabetes screening (fasting blood glucose test)Who needs: Everyone 45 and older; earlier for those at high risk.How often: Every 3 years. Comments: Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, obese people, and those with a strong family history need more frequent screening, starting at age 30. electric tricycle