A woman's guide to preventive care at every age
When it comes to women’s preventive care, anxiety and a lack of time may get in the way of important health screenings. According to the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, nearly 42 percent of women aren’t getting the preventive care they need to stay healthy. Regular health screenings are essential to your health, as they can lower your risk of illness and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as you age.
Preventive services aim to prevent sickness or disease by finding health issues early when they are typically easier and less costly to treat. And annual visits help build a relationship with your provider, which makes it easier to go to them for care when you do have a health concern or illness.
With your Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance, many women's preventive care services are covered if done by an in-network provider. Some preventive care can even be done virtually, making it easy to get important screenings from anywhere.
What preventive exams do you need and when? Here are a few examples of women’s preventive care and health screenings by age.
Preventive care for women in their 20s and 30s
Preventive care for women in this age group focuses on finding and building a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP). This is also a great time to get comfortable using your preventive care benefits.
How often you should go: You should visit your PCP or gynecologist for a preventive care visit at least once per year. During this time, your PCP will review your overall health, lifestyle and plans for the future, like whether or not you plan to have children soon.
Tests you can expect: You may need blood work or a cervical cancer screening (also called a pap smear). Your provider may also recommend screening for HIV, hepatitis C, chlamydia and gonorrhea if you are sexually active or at risk for infection.
Other things to talk about with your provider: Review your mental health and family history. This will help your PCP determine what health screenings you may need and when. You should also ask if any immunizations are needed.
myWellmark® tools help you stay on top of your preventive care
With myWellmark, you can check your preventive care benefits, connect with a virtual care provider or find an in-network primary care provider near you. Log in or register today.
Preventive care for women in their 40s
Preventive care for women in this age group focuses on cancer prevention and adjusting to age-related changes your body may be experiencing.
How often you should go: You should see your PCP or gynecologist at least once per year for an annual wellness exam, cervical cancer screenings and other preventive care.
Tests you can expect: Your PCP will often recommend routine blood work, like a cholesterol panel.
In addition to a monthly breast self-exam and annual breast exam from a provider, talk to your PCP about when to make mammograms part of your health care routine. Most women can start getting annual mammograms between 40 and 44.
The American Cancer Society also recommends women begin regular screenings for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Talk to your PCP about the need for a colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy) and how often you should be screened.
Other things to talk about with your PCP: Discuss any changes you've noticed with your body — like bladder control or digestion — as well as any mental health concerns you have. This is also a good time to discuss what to expect in perimenopause. Also discuss any immunizations you might need.
Preventive care for women over 50
Preventive care for women in this age group focuses on maintaining your health as you age.
How often you should go: You should see your PCP for an annual wellness visit to get essential care and updates on your health, as well as share any recent concerns.
Tests you can expect: Your PCP will likely recommend routine blood work. Your PCP may recommend an osteoporosis screening to check your bone density. You should also continue with breast, colon and cervical cancer screenings at the recommendation of your provider. If you’re a smoker, ask your PCP about screening for lung cancer.
Other things to talk about with your PCP: Discuss any hearing or vision issues, and any mental health concerns you have. During your annual visit, ask your PCP if immunizations are needed for illnesses like shingles, influenza, pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus.
You should also ask about your risk for heart disease based on your family history and lifestyle.
This is not an all-inclusive list of women’s preventive tests, health screenings and services you might need. Talk to your PCP or refer to the well-woman chart from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative. To see what women’s preventive care services are covered by your Wellmark health insurance plan, visit myWellmark. Also keep in mind that some testing, like blood work, or a diagnosis that requires treatment beyond preventive care could turn the preventive care appointment into a medical visit where cost-share may apply.
It’s always better to address a health condition early before it becomes more serious and more expensive to treat.
Preventive care for women of all ages
Taking care of your health starts with a few regular habits. Women of all ages should incorporate the following preventive care into their daily life:
- Eat a well-balanced diet, get regular physical activity and sleep at least 7 to 8 hours per night.
- Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
- Protect and monitor your skin. If you notice any significant changes, talk to your doctor.
Register for myWellmark to find a primary care provider near you
With myWellmark, your personal health care information is at your fingertips with tools, resources and insights to help you manage your health spending and live a healthier life. To find an in-network primary care provider near you and check your specific preventive care benefits, log in to myWellmark. Or, register for myWellmark today. All you need is your Wellmark ID card.
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