| Health Care Guidelines |
When |
Description |
| Physical exam |
One visit every 24 months
|
|
| Health guidance |
One visit yearly |
Counseling on menopause, vision/glaucoma checks, glucose checks, breast self-exams and sexually transmitted infection/HIV checks, screening for tobacco use, alcohol misuse, substance abuse and family or intimate partner violence |
Clinical screenings
|
When |
Description |
| Depression screening |
During physical exam |
|
| Tobacco use |
During each visit
|
|
| Alcohol misuse |
During each visit |
|
| Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure |
During physical exam
|
BMI = body mass index. High blood pressure is a "silent disease" because there are often no signs. Have your blood pressure checked often. |
| Lipoprotein screening |
For adults ages 20 and older, a fasting lipoprotein profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides) once every five years |
|
| Diabetes screening |
Once every three years |
|
| Tuberculin skin test |
If you are at high risk |
TB affects the lungs. It is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. TB may lead to breathing problems. |
| Hemoglobin and hematocrit |
Once every two years |
This blood test checks the amount of iron and red blood cells in the blood. |
| Mammogram (women) |
Annually |
|
| Cervical cancer screening (women) |
Every two to three years. Stop at age 70 if three or more normal Pap tests in a row, no abnormal Pap test in previous 10 years and not at high risk. |
|
| Chlamydia screening and gohorrhea screening |
Annually if you are at high risk |
|
HIV screening
|
Annually if you are at high risk
|
|
| Colorectal cancer screening |
Beginning at age 50 |
Your doctor may do tests of your bowel. Ask what type and schedule is best for you. |
Osteoporosis risk factor assessment (women)
|
Routine beginning at age 65
Does not include bone density test
|
Osteoporosis most commonly affects the hips and spine. The bones become weak and may break easily. |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (men) |
If you have ever smoked, have this one-time-only exam done between ages 65 and 72. |
|
| Immunizations |
When |
Description |
Td
Tetanus, diphtheria vaccine |
Every 10 years |
Tetanus causes painful spasms and may lock the jaw. Shots are needed every 10 years. If you step on a rusty nail or cut yourself, you may need another shot. |
Hep B
Hepatitis B vaccine |
If at high risk |
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Treatments are available, but there is no cure. |
Var
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine |
Two shots are needed |
Chickenpox causes a rash, itching, fever and scarring. It may lead to shingles (a painful rash). |
Flu
Influenza vaccine |
Annually |
The flu shot is important for people ages 50 and older, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or AIDS. |
Pneumovax
Pneumonia vaccine |
Once after age 65 |
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes cough, fever and shortness of breath. |
