How to Use Your Health Plan Getting Better Care Preventive Care

Preventive Care

Use these worksheets:
Prenatal care
Care for Children
Care for Men 18–34
Care for Men 35–50
Care for Women 18–34
Care for Women 35–50
Care for Adults over 50

Good care starts with preventive care. Preventive care—also called routine care—helps your doctor prevent problems or find them before they become serious.

Topics on this page

• Everyone needs regular preventive care
• Different people need different types of care
• Work with your doctor to plan your preventive care

Everyone needs regular preventive care

• Choose a primary care doctor as soon as you join a health plan.
• Make a new-patient appointment so you get to know the doctor and the doctor gets to know you.
• Learn about care during pregnancy and care for children, adults 18–50, and adults over 50.
• Language assistance and disability assistance may make it easier for you to get the care you need.

Different people need different types of care

• Your age, health problems, and family medical history affect the care you need.
• Your sex, ethnicity, and national origin may also influence your care. For example, the risk of heart disease is different for men and women. Some ethnic groups have a higher risk for diabetes.
• If you are at risk for a disease or condition, start screening tests earlier. You may also need them more often

Work with your doctor to plan your preventive care

About once a year, talk to your doctor about the preventive care you or your child needs.

• Agree on a plan that works for you.
• Get referrals for the lab tests, screening tests or other care you need.

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