Annual Preventive Exam
Visiting your primary care physician for an annual preventive exam is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they become serious.
What is an annual preventive exam?
An annual preventive exam generally includes:
- Checking your vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
- Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
- Examining your head, neck, and abdomen.
- Checking your muscle strength, balance, and reflexes.
- Providing appropriate vaccinations, screening tests, and lab work.
Video
To learn more about the annual preventive exam, watch this brief video.
Why should you get a preventive exam?
The purpose of an annual preventive exam is to identify potential health issues that you and your doctor may need to monitor, and to help detect medical problems in the early stages when they may be easier and less costly to treat. An annual preventive exam is also a great time to discuss your health concerns with your doctor and ask questions about healthy habits, e.g. quitting tobacco use, eating better, getting more physical activity.
It is more important than ever to make your health a priority and not delay this important wellness visit. Please be assured that safety precautions, like mask wearing and symptom screening, have been implemented at all Emory Healthcare and Kaiser locations, as well as at other providers outside the Emory system.
How much will a preventive exam cost?
If you are on an Emory medical plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost for an annual preventive exam when you use a Tier 1 or Tier 2 health care provider (Aetna HSA or POS Plans); out–of-network coverage will be subject to plan provisions after satisfying the deductible. A preventive exam is also covered at 100% (no cost to you) when you use a participating Kaiser Permanente provider.
Where can you find a doctor?
If you don’t have a doctor and you are on an Emory medical plan, you can search for primary care providers who participate in the Aetna health plans at Aetna's website or you may call Aetna at 800-847-9026.
Kaiser Permanente members may search for facilities and primary care providers at Kaiser Permanente's online doctor search, or you may call 404-365-0966.
Other Important Preventive Exams
In addition to getting your annual preventive exam, here are some other important preventive exams you should talk with your doctor about to see if they are right for you.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the examination of the large bowel and part of the small bowel with a camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus.
Why should you have a colonoscopy?
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to look for polyps or bowel cancer and to help diagnose symptoms such as unexplained diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool.
Who should have a colonoscopy?
If you're age 45 or older and at average risk of colon cancer (no colon cancer risk factors other than age), your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years or sometimes sooner to screen for colon cancer. Talk with your doctor to see if this is appropriate for you.
Where can you find a doctor?
If you don’t have a doctor and you are on an Emory medical plan, you can search for primary care providers and specialists who participate in the Aetna plans at www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/emory or you may call Aetna at 800-847-9026.
Kaiser Permanente members may search for facilities, primary care providers, and specialists at www.kp.org/doctors, or you may call 404-365-0966.
Primary care providers may refer you to a specialist for this procedure, but always make sure the specialist is in-network if you want the procedure covered at 100%.
How much will a colonoscopy cost?
If you are covered by an Emory medical plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost for a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is considered preventive care and is covered at 100% (no cost to you) if in-network providers are used (Tier 1 & 2 for the Aetna HSA and POS plans); out–of-network coverage will be subject to plan provisions after satisfying the deductible. A colonoscopy is also covered at 100% if you have the Kaiser Permanente Plan.
Resources
For more information:
- https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/announcements/final-recommendation-statement-screening-colorectal-cancer
- https://advancingyourhealth.org/colon-cancer-screening-options
Video
Christina Wu, MD, GI Medical Oncologist with the Winship Cancer Center discusses the importance of getting a colorectal cancer screening. Watch video.
Infographic
View this infographic for more information.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram, also known as a mammography screening, is an X-ray of the breast.
Why should you have a mammogram?
The purpose of a mammogram is to help detect any early signs of breast cancer.
Who should have a mammogram?
Individuals of average risk for breast cancer should consider getting a mammogram every year beginning at age 40. Talk with your doctor to see if this is right for you.
Where can you find a doctor?
If you don’t have a doctor and you are on an Emory medical plan, you can search for primary care providers and specialists who participate in the Aetna plans at www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/emory or you may call Aetna at 800-847-9026.
Kaiser Permanente members may search for facilities, primary care providers, and specialists at www.kp.org/doctors, or you may call 404-365-0966.
Primary care providers may refer you to a specialist for a mammogram, but always make sure the specialist is in-network if you want the procedure covered at 100%.
How much will a mammogram cost?
If you are covered by an Emory medical plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost for a mammogram. A mammogram is considered preventive care and is covered at 100% (no cost to you) if in-network providers are used (Tier 1 & 2 for the Aetna HSA and POS plans); out–of-network coverage will be subject to plan provisions after satisfying the deductible. A mammogram is also covered at 100% if you have the Kaiser Permanente Plan.
Resources
For more information, see these resources:
- https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/cancer-types/breast-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/special-coverage/american-cancer-society-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines.html
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening
- Dr. Seidel on screening guidelines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kBYumnciXM
- Dr. Meisel on breast self-awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h23FsQAPmJw
- Dr. Subhedar on importance of early detection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugEdGQcfqGg
- The American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery® program connects people facing breast cancer - from diagnosis through survivorship - with trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, involves collecting cells from the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus that's at the top of the vagina).
Why should you have a Pap smear?
The purpose of a Pap smear is to test for cervical cancer in people with a cervix.
Who should have a Pap smear?
Anyone with a cervix should start Pap smear screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29, people with a cervix whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated every three years. Most people with a cervix ages 21 to 65 need regular Pap tests. Talk with your doctor to see if this is appropriate for you.
Where can you find a doctor?
If you don’t have a doctor and you are on an Emory medical plan, you can search for primary care providers and specialists who participate in the Aetna plans at www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/emory or you may call Aetna at 800-847-9026.
Kaiser Permanente members may search for facilities, primary care providers, and specialists at www.kp.org/doctors, or you may call 404-365-0966.
Primary care providers may refer you to a specialist for this procedure, but always make sure the specialist is in-network if you want the procedure covered at 100%.
What will a pap smear cost?
If you are covered by an Emory medical plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost for a Pap smear. This is considered preventive care and is covered at 100% (no cost to you) if in-network providers are used (Tier 1 & 2 for the Aetna HSA and POS plans); out–of-network coverage will be subject to plan provisions after satisfying the deductible. A pap smear is also covered at 100% (no cost to you) if you have the Kaiser Permanente Plan.
Resources
For more information:
- https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/cancer-types/cervical-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening
- https://advancingyourhealth.org/five-reasons-to-schedule-your-next-pap-smear