Going to the doctor when you don’t feel sick might not be at the top of your list, but making time for an annual preventive care visit can help you stay healthy and find potential health issues early. Preventive care reduces the risk of certain conditions, protects you from diseases through immunization and helps you proactively manage your health, all while typically being covered by insurance.
“My annual checkup is always awesome... I hope I can continue here forever!”
From routine checkups and recommended screenings to vaccinations and wellness visits, preventive care helps you stay one step ahead of potential health concerns.
Plus, you don't have to manage your health alone. At every step, your primary care doctor and other health experts will provide personalized guidance and recommended preventive care services that support your well-being today and help protect your health for years to come.
By focusing on your health before illness or symptoms appear, preventive care can help identify risks early, support healthy habits and reduce the likelihood of more serious health issues down the road.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to preventive care, and we want it to be easy for you to cross off your to-do list. That’s why we offer in-person visits and video visits. With both options, you’ll get the high-quality care you expect from HealthPartners.
1. In-person preventive care visit – Great for both new and current patients, an in-person visit allows you to continue care with your doctor or build a care relationship with a primary care doctor. This type of visit works well for physical exams, vaccinations, labs and in-person conversations with your doctor.
2. Video preventive care visit – Using your phone, tablet or computer, a video visit allows you to talk face to face with either your doctor or the first available clinician. Available for patients who are 18 or older, this type of visit works well for reviewing your lifestyle, refilling medications, scheduling labs and screenings, and discussing any necessary follow-ups.
In-person visits and video visits with expert primary care doctors and clinicians are available.
Preventive care includes activities that help you stay healthy or help find potential health concerns early before they become more serious. Many health services fall under the umbrella of preventive care. Common preventive care examples include:
- Routine physical exams –This is the most well-known aspect of preventive care. During this appointment, your doctor reviews your overall health and may recommend tests or services to help prevent illness and support long-term well-being. Keep in mind that if you discuss a new medical concern or ongoing symptoms, or if you receive treatment for a specific condition during the same appointment, those services may be billed separately from your preventive care visit.
- Cancer screenings – Depending on your age and sex assigned at birth, various cancer screenings are recommended at certain stages throughout your life.
- Immunizations – Vaccines are an important part of preventive care and help protect against a variety of illnesses. Recommended immunizations may include annual flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and boosters or vaccines for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), pneumonia, shingles and measles.
- Health and well-being tips – You and your doctor will discuss your goals and provide guidance on topics, such as nutrition, sleep, movement, stress and relationships.
For more information, check out our blog that covers the basics of preventive care.
We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cigna, HealthPartners, Medica and many others. To learn how your plan covers the services you need, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Here are member services numbers to help you get started:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000
- Cigna: 800-244-6224
- HealthPartners: 800-883-2177
- Medica: 800-952-3455
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- UnitedHealthcare: 877-842-3210