Courtesy of Cy-Fair Hospital

Your doctor has been telling you for years. Your friends, family, and coworkers all put their two cents in. But now, thanks to the insight of the Affordable Care Act and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, it is easier—and more affordable—than ever to receive important health screening services.

Early Detection: The Best Protection
Health screenings can help your medical providers identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions in their early stages, when treatments may be more effective. Many health conditions, including some forms of cancer, have more favorable outcomes when diagnosed and treated early on.

In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can be better managed when your physician is able to detect them early and develop a care plan suited to you.

Trust in Your Health Care Team
Think of your primary care physician as the quarterback on your health care team. He or she helps maintain your medical history and can link you with other specialists and team members, such as a cardiologist or dietitian, as needed to handle your specific health needs.

A primary care physician can be any of the following:

• - A family practitioner, a physician who cares for all ages
• - A pediatrician, a physician who specializes in infants and children
• - An internist, a physician who focuses on the health of adults
• - A geriatrician, a physician who concentrates on the health needs of seniors

Your primary care physician will help you determine which health screenings are right for you.

New Standards of Care
Following are some of the 100 percent covered services for people with insurance who meet criteria established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Because they are 100 percent covered, you have no copays, deductibles, or other fees for the particular services outlined. For complete details, talk with your doctor and confirm your coverage information with your health insurance plan.

• - Abdominal aortic aneurysm: one-time screening by ultrasound for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked
• - High blood pressure: routine screening for all adults ages 18 and older
• - Breast cancer: screening mammography every one to two years for women ages 40 and older
• - High cholesterol, men: routine screening for men ages 35 and older, or for men ages 20 to 35 who are at high risk for coronary artery disease
• - High cholesterol, women: routine screening for women ages 45 and older, or for women ages 20 to 45 who are at increased risk for coronary artery disease
• - Colorectal cancer: screening using colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood testing beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75
• - Diabetes: routine screening for type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic adults with sustained high blood pressure (treated or untreated) greater than 135/80 mm Hg
• - Osteoporosis: routine screening for women ages 65 and older, or beginning at age 60 for women at increased risk for osteoporotic fractures
  
  For a full list of recommended screenings, visit www.HealthCare.gov.