Preventive Care in Berwyn Heights, MD
Looking for Preventive Care Services? Allegis Healthcare Clinic provides Preventive Care Services such as Patient Counseling, Check Ups, Screenings and More. Call Us Now for More Information. We are Conveniently Located at 6201 Greenbelt Rd, M18 Berwyn Heights, MD 20740.
What is included in preventive care?
Preventive care includes healthcare services such as check-ups, patient counseling, and screenings to prevent illness and other health conditions. The goal of preventive care is to keep people healthy and to aide in the detection of any health-related problems early on, giving the patient a better chance of recovery and, in the case of more dangerous conditions, survival.
Preventive health care can include a variety of different services, which may vary given the patient’s age and gender. Preventive care is covered by insurance, and may include the following general preventive screening and services for adults:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm;
- Blood pressure screening;
- Cholesterol screening;
- Colorectal cancer screening for adults over the age of fifty years;
- Depression screening;
- Diet counseling;
- HIV screening;
- Immunization and vaccines;
- STI infection prevention counseling;
- Syphilis screening;
- Type 2 diabetes screenings.
Depending on the age of the patient and their gender, other preventive screening tests and counseling options are available – which may include mammograms or cervical cancer screening, if the patient is female. For a full list of what preventive medicine includes for your age and gender, you should speak with your healthcare provider and discuss your options.
What does a preventive visit include?
You should visit your health care provider at least once a year for a preventive visit, as the intent of the visit is to prevent illness and detect any health concerns or conditions early. Your insurance company is required to cover preventive care services at no cost to patients, and these visits may take the form of an annual physical or well-child exam.
During your preventive visit, some of what may happen include:
- A complete physical exam;
- A review and update of your immunizations;
- Heart disease screenings which are appropriate to your age, which may include blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol tests;
- Cancer risk screenings, such as pelvic exams, pap smears, prostate and/or colorectal screenings;
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases;
- Evaluations for signs of depression or other mental illnesses;
- Counseling for alcohol, depression, obesity, and tobacco.
Preventive visits are a chance for you to have a conversation with your doctor about care plans and to discuss any possible lifestyle modifications to keep you healthy and well in the long-term. It is important that you work with your doctor and share any health concerns or questions that you may have with them.
What is the difference between preventive care and wellness?
Preventive care typically happens on an annual basis, and the focus is on the prevention and early detection of potential health concerns or conditions. Contrast that with a wellness or office visit, where the focus is on discussing new or existing health issues or concerns. During an office or wellness visit, your healthcare provider will discuss your new or existing conditions with you, and may order further tests, prescribe medication, refer you to see a specialist for further care, or simply provide advice and further educate you on your condition.
Another difference between preventive and wellness visits is that while preventive care is mandatorily covered by insurance, a wellness visit is typically covered by a standard co-pay or deductible. However, both are important to the maintenance of good health and an overall improved sense of well-being.
If you would like to request or book an appointment for preventive care with us at Allegis Healthcare, please visit our website or call us. We are conveniently located at 6201 Green Belt, RD Ste M18 Berwyn Heights, MD 20740.