While the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, it was important to\u00a0stay home. For you and your family, that may have meant avoiding\u00a0some routine doctor\u2019s visits. But now that restrictions are easing up,\u00a0it\u2019s time to catch up on any preventive health services you missed.\u00a0A good way to stay healthy\u00a0Preventive care includes screening tests, vaccines and wellness
\ncheckups that help you stay healthy. It includes things like:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Screening mammograms every 2 years for women age 50\u201474 years
\n\u2022 Screening for colorectal cancer for adults 50\u201475 years
\n\u2022 Screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia,\u00a0osteoporosis and obesity
\n\u2022 Vaccinations, including shots for the flu and pneumonia
\n\u2022 Routine checkups where you can get advice about diet, exercise and\u00a0safety, and especially depression during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/p>\n
Your Health New England Medicare Advantage plan covers preventive care services like these (some\u00a0may have a member cost-share). So don\u2019t put them off. It\u2019s safe to visit your doctor again\u2014and doing\u00a0so helps keep you healthy.<\/p>\n
Telehealth option available for your 2020 Annual Well-Care Visit<\/strong>
\nMany primary care providers (PCPs) are able to conduct preventive care visits as\u00a0telehealth visits (which means a visit done over the telephone). When you call to schedule your Annual Well-Care Visit, ask if your PCP can do it as a telehealth visit.\u00a0The annual well-care visit is your opportunity to talk with your PCP about your overall\u00a0health goals and concerns, and develop a personalized prevention plan based on\u00a0your current health and risk factors.<\/p>\n