Regular visits to a healthcare professional for screenings are important for managing any currently existing health conditions and for detecting diseases early. It is important to be prepared for your visit in order to get the most out of your checkup. The following are a few tips to get you in and out of the doctor’s office confidently.

• To avoid forgetting to ask a question you may have for your doctor about a vaccine or test, write down a list of questions and bring it to your appointment.
• Not sure of what you should be screened for? Use this interactive screening chart to see what you should be screened for according to your age group.
• Know your family medical history. This can be beneficial to you and your doctor in addressing your own health needs.
• Are you a new patient? Make sure when you arrange an appointment to ask if your appointment is covered by your insurance. Preventative screenings such as mammograms and pap tests are available at no cost to women under the Affordable Care Act. Click here for a complete list of preventative services covered. Learn more about the ACA here.
• Show Your Love by taking charge of your preconception health. Whether you are planning to have a baby or not, good preconception health is key. Use these checklists (Planning to have a baby, Not planning to have a baby) to make a health plan with personal goals to share with your doctor.