When do you think about your health the most — when an ache appears or when you’re feeling well? It may sound contradictory, but taking action when you’re well can help uncover issues before symptoms appear and possibly prevent them from worsening. This proactive approach can help get you on track to your best health.
Even better, taking proactive measures can save money when your health care provider codes a procedure as preventive rather than diagnostic. Following a health checklist makes it easy to make the most of preventive care and stretch your dollars.
Health Maintenance Checklist for Adults
Early detection is crucial for the best outcome when dealing with health conditions. What is available to you as preventive care? It often includes:
- Routine checkups
- Depression and anxiety screenings
- Pelvic and breast exam for women
- Mammogram for women
- Cancer screenings — including colon, lung, cervical and breast cancer
- Diabetes screening
- High blood pressure screening
- Osteoporosis screening
- Screening and counseling to prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. (This can include nutritional counseling, annual office visits specifically for obesity and blood pressure measurement, and some lab tests.)
- Screenings for pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, depression and anxiety
- Nutritional counseling to promote healthy weight during pregnancy
- Several immunizations, such as those for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, measles and more
Discover common preventive care services in this Preventive Health Checklist for Adults Ages 19+.
5 Steps to Using Preventive Care
When you’re ready to use preventive care services, follow this five-step plan for a smooth process:
- Focus on your preventive schedule provided by your health care provider. Review the services available to you based on your age and gender. If you have a GuideStone® plan, you can access your Preventive Schedule here.
- Stay in-network. Access provider information to find in-network health care providers in your area. If you have a GuideStone plan, follow the “Find Care” tab at GuideStoneHealth.org.
- Schedule an appointment. Tell the provider you are scheduling preventive services.
- Plan for follow-up. Schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary. Understand that any treatment administered in subsequent appointments will be subject to your standard coverage rules, not the preventive schedule.
- Monitor explanation of benefits (EOB) statements. Review statements to ensure procedures were submitted with accurate information.
Save Time and Money with Programs and Benefits
Some GuideStone health plans offer additional programs to help you navigate preventive care and save money.
- SmartShopper®: Earn cash rewards and reduce out-of-pocket health care costs by shopping for health care procedures with SmartShopper.
- Teladoc®: Access U.S. board-certified doctors all day, every day — even on holidays.
- Care Finder™: Easily find a provider to stay in-network for preventive procedures.
Take Charge of Your Health with GuideStone by Your Side
At GuideStone, we’re an advocate for your well-being. In addition to our health checklist for preventive care, we offer health plans that align with your values and biblical beliefs. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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