Preventive Care Visits: What to Discuss With Your Provider

A preventive visit is the appointment you make when nothing is wrong. Its job is to find problems early and lower your risk of future ones. To get the most from it, come ready to talk about four things: which screening tests are due, which vaccines you may need, changes in your personal and family history, and your everyday habits. Leave with a written plan of what is due next and when.

How preventive care differs from a sick visit

At a sick visit, your provider focuses on a symptom you bring in. At a preventive visit, the focus is on staying well: checking risk factors and offering screenings that are recommended for people who feel fine. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent volunteer panel of prevention experts, reviews the evidence for screenings, counseling and preventive medicines. Its recommendations apply to people without signs or symptoms of the condition.

The USPSTF grades each service. An “A” or “B” grade means the service is recommended. A “C” means it should be offered selectively, based on your situation and preferences. A “D” means it is recommended against. An “I” means the evidence isn’t yet enough to judge. Your provider uses these recommendations, together with your history, to decide what makes sense for you.

1. Screenings that may be due

Which screenings apply depends on your age, sex, pregnancy status, history and risk factors. MyHealthfinder, a federal tool, asks a few questions and lists the screenings and vaccines you may need. It is a useful way to prepare your questions beforehand.

Questions to ask:

• Which screenings are due for me this year, and which can wait?
• Are any of my results from last time worth repeating?
• Does my family history change when I should start a screening?

SimrikMed’s annual blood work and preventive care service covers routine labs, heart and metabolic checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar, and an age-appropriate screening review. For women’s preventive screening guidance, see well-woman and family planning.

2. Vaccines

Adults still need vaccines. CDC’s adult schedule, for ages 19 and older, covers vaccines including influenza, COVID-19, Tdap or Td, shingles, pneumococcal, hepatitis and RSV. Each is recommended by age, health condition or a shared decision with your provider. Bring your vaccination record if you have one, and ask which vaccines you are due for. SimrikMed’s vaccinations page lists the kinds of vaccines offered, and the office can confirm what is available.

3. Changes in your history

Tell your provider about anything new since your last visit:

• New medicines, supplements, herbs or home remedies
• Recent illnesses, injuries, surgeries or hospital stays
• Diagnoses in close family members
• Major life changes, such as a new job, a move, pregnancy plans or caring for someone

Keep a personal health record with vaccine dates, screening results, medicines, conditions and allergies. MyHealthfinder recommends bringing it to appointments.

4. Everyday habits

Expect questions about physical activity, eating, sleep, alcohol, tobacco and stress. Honest answers help your provider spot risks and suggest realistic changes. If you check your blood pressure at home, bring your log. CDC advises sitting quietly for at least five minutes, with your back supported and feet flat, before a reading.

Prepare in ten minutes

1. Check what screenings and vaccines may apply to you.
2. Update your medicine and supplement list.
3. Write down your top two or three questions and ask those first.
4. Ask the office if any planned tests need preparation, such as fasting. Only fast if you have been told to.
5. Bring your vaccination record and any recent results from other clinicians.

Leave with a plan

Before you go, confirm what was done, what is due next and how you will get any results. If labs were ordered, our guide to preparing for lab testing explains what to ask beforehand.

Next step

Ready to schedule a yearly check? Start with SimrikMed’s annual blood work and preventive care service, then see how to book an appointment.