Volume 14, Number 3: June 2006
These recommended screenings were developed, reviewed and approved by the members of Capital Health Plan's Quality Improvement Committee. This committee includes primary care and specialty physicians. Reference material was evaluated from the following sources:
American Academy of Family Practitioners • American College of Physicians • American Cancer Society • Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination • United States Preventive Services Task Force • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists • American Gastroenterological Association • American Urological Association • National Cancer Institute • American Diabetes Association • College of American Pathologists • American Medical Association • American Geriatric Association
These charts highlight recommendations for preventive screenings you should discuss with your primary care physician. This information is for asymptomatic, non-pregnant, low-risk patients. Family history and other factors can influence the need for additional or more frequent tests.
Recommended preventive Screenings for Men
AGE 18-39
A health screening every 3 years that includes:
BLOOD PRESSURE: Measured every visit and at least every 2 years for patients with normal readings.
CHOLESTEROL, SERUM: Every 5 years, beginning at age 20.
TESTICULAR EXAM: May be included in health screening.
OBESITY SCREEN: Body Mass Index every 1 to 3 years.
AGE 40 AND ABOVE
An annual screening that includes:
ABDOMINAL AORTIC: One time screening in men ANEURYSM aged 65-75 who have ever smoked.
BLOOD PRESSURE: Measured every visit.
CHOLESTEROL, SERUM: Every 5 years.
COLON EXAM: Regular examination of the colon beginning at age 50 on a schedule determined by PCP/treating physician. Ask PCP for exam options.
DIABETES: Consider screening every 3 years beginning at age 45, especially if overweight.
PROSTATE-SPECIFIC: Men over the age of 50 ANTIGEN (PSA): should receive individualized counseling about the known risks and possible benefits of PSA testing.
RECTAL EXAM, DIGITAL: May be included in health screening beginning at age 50.
TESTICULAR EXAM: May be included in health screening.
STOOLS FOR OCCULT BLOOD: Annually. beginning at age 50.
OBESITY SCREEN: Body Mass Index every 1 to 3 years.
Recommended preventive Screenings for Women
AGE 18-39
A health screening every 1 to 3 years coinciding with Pap test. The screening includes:
BLOOD PRESSURE: Measured every visit and at least every 2 years for patients with normal readings.
CHLAMYDIA: Screen sexually active women age 25 and under and others at risk.
BREAST EXAM: Every 3 years.
CHOLESTEROL, SERUM: Every 5 years, beginning at age 20.
PAP TEST: Women who are sexually active or who are 18 years of age or over should have annual Pap tests. After a woman has had 3 or more consecutive normal examinations, the Pap test can be performed less frequently but at least every 3 years. Beyond age 65, consult your physician.
OBESITY SCREEN: Body Mass Index every 1 to 3 years.
AGE 40 AND ABOVE
An annual screening that includes:
ABDOMINAL AORTIC: One time screening in women with a family ANEURYSM history of AAA.
BLOOD PRESSURE: Measured every visit.
BREAST EXAM: Annually.
CHOLESTEROL, SERUM: Every 5 years.
COLON EXAM: Regular examination of the colon beginning at age 50 on a schedule determined by PCP/treating physician. Ask PCP for exam options.
DIABETES: Consider screening every 3 years beginning at age 45, especially if overweight.
MAMMOGRAPHY: Every 1 to 2 years for ages 40-49, annually beginning at age 50. PAP TEST: Same as ages 18-39.
RECTAL EXAM, DIGITAL: May be included in health screening beginning at age 50.
STOOLS FOR OCCULT BLOOD: Annually beginning at age 50.
THYROID TESTING: Consider screening TSH for women 50 and older.
OBESITY SCREEN: Body Mass Index every 1 to 3 years.
OSTEOPOROSIS: Bone mineral density age 65 and over every 2 years.
An important part of a health screening exam is the counseling given by your physician. All major authorities recommend that adult patients be counseled on the following issues:
1. Stopping smoking. 2. Health risks of being overweight. 3. Alcohol and other drug abuse. 4. Injury prevention. 5. Exercise. 6. Polypharmacy or the over-use of prescription and nonprescription medication. 7. Advance Directives. 8. Risk of skin cancer with excessive exposure to the sun. 9. Treatment options for menopausal women. 10. Benefits and limitations of breast self exam. 11. Aspirin for cardiovascular disease risk. 12. Eye Exams. Remember, it is important to schedule your preventive screening appointments well in advance.