Get Screened

Screenings (also called screening tests) are medical tests that doctors use to check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Screenings help find problems early, when they may be easier to treat.

Getting recommended screening tests is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Depending on your age, sex, and medical history, you may need to be screened for things like:

• Certain types of cancer
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis (weak bones)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hearing loss or vision loss
• Mental health conditions, like depression

Talk with a doctor or nurse about which screening tests are right for you.

Find out about screening tests you may need.

Use the myhealthfinder tool to get a list of recommendations based on your age and sex. Print out the list and take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

Gather your family’s medical history.

Talk to your relatives to find out which diseases run in your family. Use this family health history tool to keep track of what you learn. Share the information 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 ahead of time.

Check out these questions for the doctor about screenings for:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• HIV
• Hepatitis C
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer

You can also use this tool to build your own list of questions for the doctor.

Talk with your doctor about getting screened.

Having a conversation with your doctor or nurse can help you understand which screenings you need – and how often to get them. You may need to get certain tests once a year. You may need other tests more or less often.

Tell your doctor or nurse about diseases that run in your family, and share any concerns about your health. This will help you decide together which screening tests are right for you.

If you don’t have a doctor or nurse, check out these tips on choosing a doctor you can trust.

Make sure you get the results from every screening.

If the doctor doesn’t call you after your test, don’t worry. You may need to call the doctor’s office to get your test results. And if you don’t understand what the results mean, ask the doctor or nurse to explain them to you.

What about cost?

The Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, requires most insurance plans to cover many screening tests. This means 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.

• Find out which services are covered under the Affordable Care Act.
• Find out which screenings are covered by Medicare.

Even if you don't have insurance, you can still get important screening tests. Find a health center near you to learn more.