What is Preventive Care?
Preventive care is a methodology designed to detect and mitigate the risks for certain conditions that can drastically affect your health. This means that your gynecologist will provide testing and counseling on:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Breastfeeding
- Gestational Diabetes
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Contraception
- Interpersonal and Domestic Violence
These are the service recommendations laid out by the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative. All of these methods can be completed during or in tandem with a Well Woman’s Visit with your gynecologist, who can also take a broader look at your overall health and recommend positive lifestyle changes to make sure you’re happy and healthy in the long run.
Why is Preventive Care Important?
In the case of certain health concerns like cancer or sexually transmitted diseases, prevention is the best way to mitigate your risks. This means that a proactive approach to your health can reduce the chances of costly and dangerous conditions later on that can be more difficult to treat. Preventive care doesn’t just extend to reproductive health either— your gynecologist can provide counseling on your lifestyle and many different facets of your emotional and physical health.
How Can My Gynecologist Help?
During a Well Woman’s Visit, your gynecologist can discuss your health and any symptoms you may be having. Then, your gynecologist can perform the appropriate screenings for your recommended schedule. Your Well Woman’s Visit is a great time to ask any questions you may have about your body, life stage, symptoms, or wellbeing so you can make informed choices about your health and establish good habits.
Schedule an Appointment
A Well Woman’s Visit is a positive first step in preventive care where your gynecologist can make sure you have what you need to remain healthy and happy. To get started, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get a Pap smear?
Most women should have a Pap smear every three years beginning at age 21, then every 5 years after age 30 (assuming that her Pap smear results are normal).
How do you practice preventive health care?
The purpose of preventative healthcare visits is to screen for diseases, look for signs of future diseases, update vaccinations, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and discuss medicines or supplements that you are taking.
How much is a ultrasound?
Generally, ultrasounds cost between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. However, insurance coverage may help offset these costs, particularly if the ultrasound is deemed medically necessary for diagnostic or preventive purposes.
How often can you get a preventive colonoscopy?
By age 45-50, individuals who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer should undergo colonoscopy regularly, usually at 5-year intervals. However, gastroenterologists may recommend other time frames based on individual needs.
What does preventative health mean?
Preventative health involves proactive measures taken to maintain well-being and prevent illnesses or injuries before they occur. By focusing on prevention rather than just treatment, preventative health aims to promote long-term health and reduce the burden of preventable diseases on individuals and healthcare systems.
What is covered under ACA preventive care?
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance plans can cover preventive care services without cost-sharing requirements. The ACA aims to promote accessibility to essential healthcare services and encourage individuals to engage in preventive healthcare practices.
What is the difference between a physical and a wellness exam?
A physical involves an exam by a doctor along with possible bloodwork and/or other tests. A wellness exam doesn't usually include a physical exam, except to check height, weight, and blood pressure.
What is the importance of health screening?
By identifying risk factors and detecting precursors or indicators of disease, health screenings allow for timely intervention, treatment, and lifestyle modifications to mitigate health risks and improve long-term outcomes.
Why preventive care is important?
Preventive care emphasizes proactive measures to maintain health, prevent diseases, and address health risks before they escalate. By focusing on prevention rather than just treatment, individuals can take control of their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.
Are colonoscopies considered preventive care?
Yes, colonoscopies are routine screenings for colon cancer, but they are also performed in response to abdominal symptoms like chronic diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Does insurance cover a physical?
Most insurance plans pay for a physical once a year. However, be sure to check with your individual insurance provider.
How Often Does insurance pay for physical?
Insurance typically covers preventive physical exams once a year. This emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups to monitor well-being and detect potential health concerns early. If a concern or problem arises prior to the annual visit and the provider documents appropriately, the majority are covered as well.
Are Pap smears considered preventive care?
Yes, as screening for cervical cancer, Pap smears give your gynecologist up-to-date information on the health of your cervix to ensure you're receiving the proper testing and health care needed.
Are preventive visits covered by insurance?
Preventive visits are frequently covered by insurance plans. By covering preventive visits, insurance companies acknowledge the importance of proactive healthcare measures in maintaining overall health and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
Whats included in a wellness exam?
Age dependent - - includes complete physical exam, often Pap smears, cervical cultures and appropriate blood work; mammograms, colonoscopy and bone density are ordered when appropriate
Why do we need health screening?
Health screenings play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, as they allow individuals to monitor their health status and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
What should an annual visit include?
The initial visit should begin with a comprehensive history, documenting social, reproductive, medical, surgical and family data. Weight and blood pressure are obtained. A complete physical exam is performed. Appropriate labs are obtained, depending upon the age of the patient, their medical history and reproductive plans.