Preventive Medicine

What is preventive medicine? 

Doctors developed preventive medicine protocols to encourage accessible health care to prevent future illness and disease. This not only promotes your overall wellness (physical and mental) but works to avert disability, disease, and untimely death. 

There are three types of preventive medicine. Primary preventive treatments can include vaccinations or nutritional medicine for all ages. Secondary preventive medicine aims to detect a health concern early on. This can empower you to understand your illness and slow its progression. 

Tertiary preventive medicine’s focus is to limit the harm done by a current health concern you may already have. This allows you to collaborate with your provider to discover long-term solutions and day-to-day health stability. 

The practice offers several preventive tests, screenings, and counseling services. If you have health insurance, many plans cover these options 100%. 

What are preventive medicine screenings and tests offered? 

There are several tests and screenings considered preventive medicine. You can collaborate with your provider to determine which services might best suit your needs. Some of your options include: 

• Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
• Diabetes screenings
• Cancer screenings (mammograms, pelvic exams, and colonoscopies) 
• Flu shots
• Vaccines against diseases like polio, measles, or meningitis 
• Immunizations for all ages
• Depression screenings 
• HIV screenings
• STI screenings
• Hepatitis B and C screenings 
• Aspirin usage screenings

Certain screenings or tests are only covered for certain age groups or those at high risk. Be sure to communicate with your provider and insurance to understand if you are fully covered. 

What are some other benefits of preventive medicine? 

In addition to screenings and tests, preventive medicine includes education and counseling. If you’re at higher risk for chronic diseases or illness, you can expect counseling on topics like: 

• Diet and exercise 
• Quitting smoking 
• Weight loss 
• Depression 
• Limiting alcohol consumption 
• Fall prevention (for those 65 and older) 
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication to prevent HIV 
• STI counseling 

Preventive care also includes tests, screenings and counseling to ensure a successful pregnancy. Most insurance plans cover well-child and well-baby checkups and preventive services during those visits. 

If you or your family is seeking preventive medicine, reach out to Francisco A. Cruz, MD, PA,by phone or online today.