Guys, when was the last time you saw your primary care physician? If you’re one of the 71 percent of Nevada men who has a health care provider, are you seeing them as often as you should? Regardless if you are in perfect health or recovering from an ailment, there are a few doctor’s appointments that you need to stay on top of when it comes to your health. This year, make sure that you utilize your health insurance and by scheduling these top medical appointments for men this year.
Prostate Cancer Exam
Each year, 11.2% of all men the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer according to Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada. Early detection is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for the disease, so preventative screenings are imperative. Since preventative and lab services are covered under your essential health benefits, make sure to schedule a screening.
Depression Screening
Millions of Americans struggle with their mental health. Inpatient and outpatient care to evaluate, diagnose or treat a mental health disorder or substance abuse has applicable coverage. Examples include behavioral health treatment, counseling and psychotherapy. Your health insurance may limit the coverage to a specific amount of days per year, but talk to your primary care doctor if you are concerned about depression.
Blood Glucose Test
One in three Americans has prediabetes and 90 percent of those people don’t realize it. Diet and genetics play a huge role in Type 2 diabetes, so have your primary care doctor administer a blood glucose test if you are concerned about developing Type 2 diabetes.
Testicular Cancer Exam
Catching testicular cancer in an early stage is key to treating the disease. With your preventative essential health benefit, have your primary care physician check for testicular cancer at your next annual exam.
Colonoscopy
Even if you don’t have any risk factors for colon cancer, you should schedule a colonoscopy if you are 50 or older. Colonoscopies can detect colon polyps and cancer, so they are imperative to have at least once every five years.
With the essential health benefits in your health insurance plan, make sure to set these top medical appointments for men. If you’re not currently enrolled in health insurance, certain qualifying life events (QLE) may make you eligible for a special enrollment period. QLE’s are life-changing events such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce and birth/adoption of a child to name a few. Nevada Health Link can connect contact a certified broker or navigator to see if you qualify for special enrollment. Email us at CustomerserviceNVHL@exchange.nv.gov for any additional questions you may have concerning affordable health insurance and start your enrollment process today.
