The health care reform laws will be focusing strongly on preventative care for Medicare recipients. Annual visits to your PCP and screenings for breast and colon cancer will no longer have deductibles.
Health problems can occur for any of us at any time, but prevention, early detection and treatment are key to maintaining good health and preventing complications that can occur even with the simplest problems. Many Medicare receipents will soon be receiving a reminder of the importance of preventive care when their primary care physicians send them a letter similar to the one below. If you receive this letter, please take the time to complete the form and call to schedule an appointment for yourself and your loved one.
“DEAR __________:
Your health concerns and questions are important to me.
But, if you don’t ask, I may not know that you have a concern or question. If you are not comfortable asking me a question, you can put it in writing.
Be sure to give your written concerns to me or my nurse at the beginning of the exam. We can then talk about your questions or concerns and take any necessary steps.
Call today to make your appointment.”
The letter may also include several questions similar to those listed below:
1. How can I prevent falling? (The reason for this question is that while there are many potential causes for falling; in the elderly population falls are common and may lead to injuries, decline in function and even death).
2. How can I treat or manage bladder problems? (The rationale for this question is that these problems can lead to more serious problems such as urinary tract infections, skin breakdown and falls).
3. Do I need to be tested for Osteoporosis? (The importance here is that this condition can cause fragility of the bones and may ultimately result in bone fractures and poor healing especially in post-menopausal women- the testing required is painless and quick)
4. How much exercise should I be getting? (Prevention is the focus her and exercise can prevent problems as well as maintain good health, it can be as non-stressful as walking 20-30 minutes a day to more strenuous activities that you enjoy- ask if there are any restrictions that would prevent you from participating in the activity you have chosen.
5. Do I need the flu and pneumonia vaccines? (Prevention of the flu is key to preventing complications that afflict many seniors if the get the “bug”. Flu shots are especially recommended for adults 50 years and older, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or other health disorders, anyone with a compromised immune system due to HIV disease or medications such as chemotherapy, health-care workers involved in direct patient care and healthy adults and children who live with or care for anyone with a medical condition that could put them at higher risk for flu complications).
6. What preventive or screening tests should I have? (Another benefit to the annual visit to your PCP is learning what screenings are recommended for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease to prevent complications).
(Here is your opportunity to ask your doctor the questions you have regarding your own health concerns).
7.__________________________________________________________________
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