Don’t Miss Out – Schedule Your Year-End Health Checkup and Maximize Your Benefits!
Maximizing Health Insurance Benefits Before They Expire
It’s that time of year when patients carrying health insurance have hit their “out-of-pocket” (OOP) maximum. At this time of year it’s possible to enjoy medical visits free of charge (co-pays waived). For most insurance plans this opportunity typically expires and resets on December 31st, so Hawthorn Healing Arts Center would like take this opportunity to encourage folks to use these benefits now.
As part of our ‘take responsibility of your health and personal empowerment’ way of thinking, and to avoid unexpected billing surprises, we encourage patients to have a solid understanding of their insurance plan including the various coverage details, deductible status, etc., before making an appointment.
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Use It or Lose It – Schedule Your Year-End Checkup Now
Maximizing Your Health Insurance Benefits Before They Expire
As the end of the year approaches, it’s that time when many of you may have reached your health insurance “out-of-pocket” (OOP) maximum. What does that mean? Well, it’s a chance to enjoy some medical visits without those pesky co-pays. But here’s the catch—most insurance plans reset on December 31st, so if you’ve been putting off that annual exam or follow-up, now’s the time to make an appointment!
At Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, we want to encourage you to take full advantage of your benefits before they expire. We believe in empowering you to take charge of your health, and part of that is knowing your insurance coverage. Make sure you’re up-to-date on what’s covered, what your deductible status is, and all those important details, so there aren’t any surprises down the road.
Did you know that by law, health insurance is required to provide you with free medical screenings every year? That’s right—no copays, no deductibles! And for women (and transgender men), this often means two exams per year:
- Annual Women’s Health Exam (which might include a pelvic exam, breast exam, and possibly a Pap test)
- Annual Physical Exam
These “annual” exams exist for a reason. It’s your free pass to check in with your practitioner and stay on top of your health.
Of course, when it comes to how often certain screening tests should be done, things can get a little more complicated. That’s where your annual exam comes in handy. It’s the perfect time to sit down with your practitioner and discuss any family history, risk factors, and lifestyle details that might affect your screening schedule.
For example, many of us should be getting yearly bloodwork to monitor things like thyroid function, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels. Some people may need even more frequent checks, especially if managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Let’s talk mammograms. If you’re at risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors (such as early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone therapy), you might want to start getting mammograms as early as 40. While the general recommendation is every 1-3 years, this is something you’ll want to discuss with your doctor to make the best decision for your specific situation.
And by the way, men can get breast cancer too! It’s not just a women’s health issue—clinical breast exams, thermography, and mammograms are available for men as well.
Another important screening is the Pap test (or Pap/HPV co-testing). For women, this usually starts at age 21 or after becoming sexually active. Between the ages of 21-29, a Pap test every three years is the norm, while for those 30-65, co-testing every five years is often recommended. And if you’ve had a hysterectomy, you may still need screening depending on your medical history. Be sure to check with your doctor to know what’s best for you.
If you’re concerned about osteoporosis, postmenopausal women should start thinking about getting a DEXA scan within the first few years of menopause. Again, factors like low body weight or a family history of fractures might mean you need one sooner. Men aren’t off the hook either—osteoporosis screenings like DEXA scans are available for men too!
Finally, let’s not forget the importance of colon cancer screenings. The general recommendation is to start at age 45 (and definitely by 50), but depending on your personal and family history, your doctor may suggest starting earlier. While a colonoscopy every 10 years is the gold standard, there are alternative tests like Cologuard or virtual colonoscopy if you prefer something less invasive.
At the end of the day, staying proactive about your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Yearly checkups and screenings help you stay informed and empowered, allowing you to make the best healthcare decisions possible. So, if you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to schedule that checkup and make sure you’re making the most of your health insurance benefits before they reset!
To make an appointment call 541-330-0334 or click the button below, fill out the form and the appointment desk will get right back to you.