Let’s change this statistic together. Whether or not you’re an EmblemHealth member, early detection of a chronic health condition begins the same way — with a health plan and a visit to your primary care provider (PCP) for a checkup.
Annual Checkup
Resources
Nearly 60% of Americans suffer from at least one chronic health condition.
Common Questions About an Annual Checkup
An annual checkup or physical is an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to review your overall health. Your PCP may recommend certain preventive care services or screenings based on your age, gender, or health history. These services can help find health problems early when they may be easier to treat. Your annual checkup also gives you the chance to talk to your PCP about any health concerns or questions you may have.
Learn more about choosing a PCP from AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY). Note: ACPNY is part of the EmblemHealth family of companies.
Source: Start Your New Year Off Right: Schedule Your Annual Checkup Today! | EmblemHealth Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For plan members, certain preventive care services are usually covered in full and not subject to any deductible when received by an in-network health care professional.
Covered preventive services may include your annual checkup, routine physicals, recommended screenings, immunizations, mammograms, gynecological exams, well-baby care, and prescription contraceptives for women. Check your plan benefits for more information. You can find your benefits and search for in-network care by signing in to your member portal at my.emblemhealth.com.
During your checkup, your doctor may suggest vaccines, tests, and screenings based on your age, gender and health history. These may include:
- Body mass index (BMI) based on your height and weight.
- Blood pressure testing.
- Reviewing your medicines.
- Blood and/or urine tests, which may include cholesterol or sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing. If you have diabetes, your doctor may perform a blood test to check your blood sugar, urine tests to check your kidneys. They may also refer you for an eye exam
- Colon, breast, and cervical cancer screenings.
- Depression screening.
- Flu shot, if you haven’t recently had one.
Be sure to ask your doctor which services are right for you.
Doctor’s visits can go by quickly. It helps to bring a list of questions or concerns so you don’t forget anything. Some questions you may want to ask are:
- What preventive care services do you recommend, either at this visit or at an upcoming visit? Am I up to date on my vaccinations?
- Knowing my family history, am I at a greater risk for any health conditions? If so, what can I do now to help prevent them?
- If being prescribed a new or different medicine: Why are you prescribing this medicine? How is it different from what I was taking before? Are there any possible side effects or interactions I need to know?
- Should I be concerned about high blood pressure? How might it affect my health down the road?
- How does sleep impact my health?
Source: U.S. News and World Report, 2022.
Additional Annual Checkup Resources
Make the Most of Your Annual Checkup
Caring for Our Communities
AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY)
- One of the largest primary and specialty care medical practices located throughout all five New York boroughs.
- Providers, nurses, medical assistants, and support staff who have strong ties to the communities we serve.
- ACPNY doctors and providers participate in all EmblemHealth plans. ACPNY is part of the EmblemHealth family of companies.
Neighborhood Care
- Locations throughout New York City, making it simpler and more convenient for you to get the care you need.
- Free health and wellness classes for members and non-members alike.
- Help finding local doctors, in-person and virtual customer support, and connect to community resources.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022
NY State Department of Health, 2021