Screening Guidelines for Healthy Adults

Comprehensive Screening Exam
To promote preventive care and wellness. If you are between the ages of 19 to 39, please have this exam every three years. For ages 40 to 64, please have the exam every two years, and every year if you are 65 or older.

Cholesterol
You should test more frequently if you are at high risk for heart disease. If you are between the ages of 19 to 39, please have the test every three years. For ages 40 to 64, please have the test every two years, and at your doctor's discretion if you are 65 or older.

Chlamydia (STD) Screening
To test for chlamydia in sexually active adults. Females: every year up to the age of 24. Thereafter, at the doctor's discretion, based on risk.

Diabetes Screening
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can greatly reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. The following screenings are recommended for all diabetics:

Diabetic Eye Exam: Members between the ages of 18-75 with a diagnosis of diabetes should have a retinal eye exam performed every year.

Hemoglobin A1c: A blood test that shows how well your diabetes and blood sugars have been controlled over the past 2-3 months. This test should be performed at least annually; however, those with an abnormally high A1c should be treated and retested according to physician recommendations.

Nephropathy Screening: A simple urine test, called a urine microalbumin, should be done annually to screen for kidney disease that can be associated with diabetes.

Stool Blood (fecal test)
To detect Colorectal Cancer, please have the test every year after the age of 50.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
To test for Rectal cancer, please have the exam every year after the age of 50.

Sigmoidoscopy
To test for Colorectal Cancer, please have the test every three to five years, beginning at the age of 50.

Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine
To protect against Diphtheria and Tetanus, please have the vaccine every ten years.

Flu Shot
High-risk individuals (such as those with pregnancy, diabetes, or asthma): once per year with your doctor's recommendation. Please have the shot every year at the age of 65 or older.

Pneumococcal vaccine
To protect against Pneumonia, have the vaccine once if you are at the age of 65 or older. If you are at high risk, then consult with your Primary Care Physician. Repeat at your doctor's discretion.

Breast self-exam
To check for lumps and abnormalities. Females: Please perform the self-exam monthly.

Breast exam by doctor
Manual exam to detect Breast Cancer. Females: Please have the exam every year.

Mammogram
Early detection of Cancer. Females: Please have the test every one to two years starting at the age of 40.

Cervical Cancer Screening/Pelvic Exam
To detect Cervical and Ovarian Cancer. Females: Please have the exam every year. If negative after three consecutive tests, at the doctor's discretion.

Rubella antibody
To determine Rubella Immunity. Females: Please have the test one time prior to your first pregnancy.

Osteoporosis, Menopausal/Postmenopausal for Osteoporosis (risk screening)
To identify those at risk. Females: Please have the test every two years, if medically indicated.

Indicators:

  • Alcoholism
  • Certain medical conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
  • Disorder (COPD), Cushings Disease, Gastrectomy, Inflammatory
  • Bowel Disease (IBD), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and others.
  • Certain medications such as anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin), corticosteroids* (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone), immunosuppressants, lithium, total parenteral nutrition, and others. *Note: If you do take corticosteroid drugs, its deleterious effects on bone density may be reduced by supplementation with 45 mg/day of vitamin K2 (as MK4).
  • Family history of Osteoporosis
  • History of falls
  • History of prior fracture
  • Impaired eyesight (increases risk of falling)
  • Inadequate physical activity
  • Long-term low calcium intake
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Weight less than about 120 pounds
  • Sharp decrease in estrogen at the onset of menopause
  • Low bone mass
  • Deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility
  • A consequent susceptibility to fracture

Testicular Self-Exam
To detect Testicular Cancer. Males: Please perform the self-exam monthly.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and DRE for Prostate Cancer
Blood test to detect Prostate Cancer. Males: Guidelines vary, please consult with your doctor.