Medical Screenings

All ages should see their doctor every year for a physical, even if they are not feeling sick. These preventive visits can help you stay healthy and might help to avoid or identify issues early.

Your provider will examine you and give you shots when necessary. They will also ask questions about health problems. Your doctor can send you to a specialist and order any tests that might be needed if they find a health problem during a checkup. They can also tell you ways to stay healthy.

If you haven’t already, NH Healthy Families will help you transition from your pediatrician to a doctor best suited to serve the needs of adults.

To schedule a yearly physical visit, call your doctor. Having a problem getting an appointment, please call Member Services at 1-866-769-3085 (TDD/TTY 1-855-742-0123).

Medical screenings are recommended to help monitor for signs of disease and detect it in the earliest stages. These screenings can often be done at the time of your yearly physical or may need to be ordered by the doctor and then scheduled at a different time and location. Some of the important adult screenings include:

• Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram) – for women age 40 and older a mammogram every 1 to 2 years and a clinical breast exam annually by a healthcare provider is recommended.
• Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test) – women age 21 and older should have a cervical cancer screening at least every 3 years. Beginning at age 30, women should have a cervical cancer screening every 3 years if done alone or every 5 years with HPV (human papillomavirus (HPV). T
• Chlamydia Test – women should be tested yearly under age 25 after becoming sexually active and those over 25 at increased risk of infection.
• Colon Cancer Test – men and women at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. There are a number of different screening tests that can be ordered so talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.

Check with your doctor about recommended screenings for you as well as other important tests you may need. Based on your medical or family history, screenings may begin earlier or be required more often. Call Member Services at 1-866-769-3085 (TDD/TTY 1-855-742-0123) if you need help finding a doctor or scheduling an appointment.

It may be time for you to get your mammogram.

Depending on individual factors such as your personal health history and family history, mammography screenings should begin for some women at age 50, others at age 40, and still others at an even younger age. Your health care providers are in the best position to advise when you should begin having regular mammograms, and how often it should be done. Remember to ask your doctor about any questions you have.

Breast cancer is the #2 cancer killer of women. But when diagnose early, 93%* of women will be cancer-free five years later. Doctors need this information as early as possible to treat any problems and help you live a long life. Sadly, many women still avoid getting a mammogram.

Do any of the following excuses sound familiar to you?

Take control of your health: get a mammogram. A mammogram can mean you can get early, effective treatment. You’ll be glad you took the time!

Click here for a listing of mammogram centers that are participating with New Hampshire Healthy Families. Please speak with your doctor before scheduling a mammogram appointment. If you have any questions, you can also call Member Services at 1-866-769-3085 (TDD/TTY 1-855-742-0123). Locations are subject to change.

Information on mammograms can also be found on the following websites:

• American Cancer Society
• Susan G. Komen
• National Cancer Institute