Preventive care is often associated with older adults, but it matters at every age. A conversation with a provider about your health risks, habits, and screening schedule can prevent problems before they start.
What a preventive conversation covers
- Review of family history and personal risk factors
- Current medications and supplements
- Screening recommendations based on age and risk
- Lifestyle questions: sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress
- Immunization status
- Mental health and mood check-ins
How telehealth fits in
A video visit is well suited for preventive conversations. Most of the work is talking: reviewing history, discussing habits, and making a plan. A provider can recommend screenings, order laboratory tests, and help you build a practical prevention plan.
What still needs in-person care
Some preventive screenings require physical examination, imaging, or procedures. A telehealth provider can tell you which ones you need and where to get them, even if they cannot perform them during a video visit.
Starting the conversation
You do not need a specific complaint to book a preventive visit. Tell the scheduler you want to review your general health and screening needs. That is a perfectly valid reason for a visit.
A 15-minute conversation about your health risks today can prevent a crisis next year.
Before you start
Have your current medications and relevant history nearby. If you are helping a family member, let them decide who should be in the conversation. If you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.