Seeing your primary care provider (PCP) at your Annual Wellness Visit is the foundation of any health-maintenance plan. The next step: building on that foundation by asking your PCP about any regular screenings you may need in the coming months. Recommendations for different health screenings change over time. They can also depend on your personal medical history and risk factors. Here are four important ones to get the conversation going. 

1. Colonoscopy    

Experts now advise having this screening every year starting at age 45. The goal of this screening is to help catch colon cancer early, when it's likely easier to treat. The procedure lets your doctor look for and remove any unusual growths. You can also ask about at-home colon cancer screenings. At-home options are non-invasive and easy to use.

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2. A1C   

This simple blood test measures your blood sugar levels. It can be used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. Or, if you have diabetes, it can help you watch and manage your blood sugar levels. Are you over 45 or at high risk for diabetes? Ask your provider if you need this test. 

3. Mammogram    

Roughly two-thirds of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. In other words, it can happen to anyone. So it’s important for all women to get mammograms regularly. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screenings every two years for women ages 50 to 74.* Screenings are a good idea for men, too. They can also get breast cancer.

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4. Prostate specific antigen (PSA)   

PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland in men. When levels are high, it could signal a health issue like cancer or an enlarged prostate. Or it may point to something harmless like recent sexual activity. PSA tests can help catch anything unusual and lead to early treatment.  

Outsmart flu season

Now is a good time to get up to date on preventive vaccines, like your annual flu shot. Check with your primary care provider on when you should receive a flu shot and other vaccines. Or call Member Services at 1-833-570-6671 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 8 PM, 7 days a week, to check on your benefits and vaccine and flu shot coverage.

Don’t forget your Annual Wellness Visit

It’s not too late to have this important visit this year. Your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is the best way to stay on top of your health. 

During your Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider will check basic health metrics such as your weight and blood pressure. They will also talk with you about your personalized preventative health plan for the coming year. And they can also help identify any screenings you may need. 

As an Allina Health | Aetna Medicare Advantage member, you’re eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” visit within your first 12 months of having Medicare Part B. Then after your first 12 months, this visit is called an Annual Wellness Visit. Your Allina Health I Aetna Medicare Advantage plan covers both. 

For questions about your annual visit, call Member Services with questions about your annual visit: at 1-833-570-6671 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 8 PM, 7 days a week. When you schedule your appointment, be sure to say whether it’s your “Welcome to Medicare” or Annual Wellness Visit.

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If so, consider referring a friend or family member. They can call us at 1-800-361-2511 (TTY: 711) to see if they are eligible to enroll and to learn more about our plans. A licensed agent will answer their call.

*MAMMOGRAM RECOMMENDATION SOURCE: U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Breast Cancer: Screening. Available at uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/document/RecommendationStatementFinal/breast-cancer-screening. Accessed August 21, 2023. 

For language services, please call the number on your member ID card and request an operator. For other language services:  Español | 中⽂ | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | Tagalog | Pусский | ةيبرعلا| | Kreyòl | Français | Polski | Português | Italiano | Deutsch | ⽇本語 | فارسی | Other languages…   

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.

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