Get Screened

The Basics Screenings are medical tests that check for diseases. Screenings are medical tests that check for diseases. Screenings can help doctors find diseases early, when the diseases may be easier to treat. Getting screening tests is one of the most important things you can do for your health. You may need to be screened for: <ul > <li>Some types of cancer</li> <li>High blood pressure and cholesterol</li> <li>Diabetes</li> <li>Osteoporosis (weak bones)</li> <li>Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)</li> <li>Hearing and vision loss</li> </ul> How do I know which screening tests to get? Different screening tests are needed at different ages. Check the screening guidelines below for your age and sex.For women:<ul ><li><a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/prevention/lifestyle/healthy-women.pdf " >Stay Healthy at Any Age [PDF - 422 KB]</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/legacy/ppip/women50.pdf" >Stay Healthy at 50+ [PDF - 445 KB]</a></li></ul>For men:<ul ><li><a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/healthy-men/healthy-men.pdf" >Stay Healthy at Any Age [PDF - 409 KB]</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/legacy/ppip/men50.pdf" >Stay Healthy at 50+ [PDF - 444 KB]</a></li></ul>Talk with a doctor or nurse about which screenings are right for you.

Take Action! Call a doctor to schedule a checkup. Ask about screening tests. You and your doctor can decide together which screening tests are right for you.Find out about screening tests you may need. <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics//myHealthfinder/">Enter your age, sex, and pregnancy status into the myhealthfinder tool</a> to get a list of recommendations. Print out the list and take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.Gather your family’s medical history. Find out which diseases run in your family. <a href="https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action" >Use this family health history tool</a> to keep track of what you learn. Share it with your doctor.Make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Going to the doctor can be stressful. It can help to write down your questions about screening tests before you go.Check out these questions for the doctor about screenings for:<ul><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=28">HIV</a></li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=41">Colorectal cancer</a></li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=31">Breast cancer</a></li><li><a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=30">Prostate cancer</a></li></ul>You can also <a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/legacy/questions/qb/" >use this tool to build your own list of questions for the doctor</a>.Talk with your doctor about getting screened. Your doctor or nurse can help you decide which screenings are right for you. Some are needed once a year, and others are needed more or less often.Tell your doctor or nurse about the diseases that run in your family, and ask questions about your health. This will help you decide together which screening tests you may need.If you don’t have a doctor or nurse, <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=63">check out these tips on choosing a doctor you can trust</a>.Make sure to get the results from every screening. You may need to call to get your test results if the doctor doesn’t call you. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain the results to you.What about cost? Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will pay for screening tests recommended by your doctor or nurse. Also, many screening tests are covered under the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010.Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screening tests at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >Find out which services are covered by the Affordable Care Act</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-and-screening-services.html?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" >Find out which screenings are covered by Medicare</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/using-insurance/low-cost-care/medicaid/#cover" >Find out which services are covered under Medicaid</a>.</li></ul>You can still get important screening tests even if you don't have insurance. <a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you to learn more</a>.