Preventative Care is your first line of defense for early diagnosis and treatment of medical problems.  The insurance industry has radically changed coverage guidelines for these services. 

In this new world of Healthcare Spending Accounts and Annual Preventative Screening Coverage, how do you determine if your insurance company will pay for these screenings before your appointment?  Try these tips:

• Pull out your Benefits Guide that you receive annually from your Insurance Company or Employer.  Look for Preventative Coverage lists
• Check your Insurance Company website
• Call your Insurance Company or Employer Benefits Department

Make sure you ask specific questions, such as whether you are covered by your Preventative Plan for 

• Well Exam
• Labwork (Cholesterol, CMP, CBC, TSH, PSA, Urine Test, and Pap Smear are common screening tests performed or ordered at your annual visit)
• Chest Xray
• EKG (Electrocardiogram)
• Immunizations
• Bone Density Test
• Cardiac CT Scoring
• Ultrasound screening for Carotid disease
• Ultrasound screening for AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)
• Colonoscopy

Bring this information to your appointment. This will be very helpful for you and your Physician to decide which screening exams to perform and hopefully save you from potential billing headaches.