Are you avoiding your annual wellness checkup to save money? You’re
in luck—preventive health services are free for Altru & You
with Medica members.
Preventive services consist of checkups, screenings and counseling appointments
aimed at detecting health concerns before they develop. These are often
available for free when delivered by a provider in your network and can
prevent more costly health issues in the future.
Wellness Checks
As an Altru & You with Medica member, you can receive a free yearly
biometric screening, or My BioCheck®, which will provide you with
your overall health report card. My BioCheck measures cholesterol levels,
diabetes risk, blood pressure and weight.
Cancer Screenings
Screenings for certain types of cancer, such as breast, cervical and colon,
generally qualify as preventive care. The ideal frequency of screenings
varies by age, gender and personal/family history. The following recommendations
by the American Cancer Society are a great start, but talk to your healthcare
provider for individual recommendations.
Breast cancer: Early detection decreases breast cancer mortality. The American College
of Radiology recommends annual mammographic screening beginning at age
40 for women of average risk. Higher-risk women should start mammographic
screening earlier and may benefit from supplemental screening modalities.
Altru’s Breast Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology
and follows their recommendation.
Cervical cancer: Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap smear every three years; women between
30 and 65 should have a Pap smear and HPV test every five years. If you
opt out of HPV testing, continue to receive your Pap smear every three years.
Colon cancer: Adults ages 45 through 75 should have regular screenings at their provider’s
discretion.
Immunizations
Most immunizations are classified as preventive care because they are intended
to protect your current and future health. Immunizations include everything
from your yearly flu shot to vaccines required for school-bound children.
We’re Here When You Need Help
Whether you have questions about your benefits (like finding out what your
plan covers or understanding how a claim was processed) or need help receiving
care (like scheduling an appointment or learning how to access your medical
records online), call us at
855.400.9652. We’re available, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To get information about your benefits or care online, go to
altruandyou.com.
