Yes, you need that test again. Here’s why.

Are you 65 or older and do you have a Medicare plan? If you answered “yes” to both  questions, here’s some good news. You can usually get an annual wellness visit at no additional cost.  

An annual wellness visit gives you time to talk with your doctor about your health risks and learn ways to stay healthy. It’s a benefit of your plan as long as you’ve had your plan for more than 12 months.  

Your annual wellness visit is also the perfect time to find out which routine screenings you might need. These tests can be critical to your health today and in the future.  

But more than half of adults age 65 and older aren’t up to date with their health screenings, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). And just because you had a screening once doesn’t mean you’re in the clear forever. Some of these tests need to be performed each year.  

“You’re at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases as you age,” says Jay W. Lee, M.D., an AAFP board member. Identifying issues early lets you take steps to keep them from progressing.  

That’s why it’s important to ask your doctor about which tests are right for you. Here are eight screenings to ask about at your next annual wellness visit.  

Are you ready for your next annual wellness visit?

Call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If you don’t have a PCP, you can use Find a Doctor on hmsa.com to search for a participating provider near you.

Find a doctor

1. High blood pressure 

During your annual wellness visit, your doctor will check your blood pressure. Around 70% of older adults have high blood pressure, according to the American College of Cardiology.  

High blood pressure typically has no obvious symptoms. That’s why an annual screening is so important.  

2. Cholesterol  

High cholesterol is another condition that has no obvious symptoms. Yet it can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.  

Talk to your doctor about the date of your last lipid panel. Adults age 65 and older should have their lipid panel checked yearly, according to the National Institutes of Health.

3. Diabetes  

Nearly 16 million older adults have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. That’s about one in three older adults.  

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin as well as it should. When this happens, too much sugar stays in your bloodstream. It increases the likelihood of developing other health issues, including: 

• Heart disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Vision loss 

There are a few ways to check your blood sugar level, including A1C and fasting plasma glucose tests. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.  

4. Mental health  

It’s not just your physical health that doctors are looking after. Your mental health is also important. Doctors may screen you for depression and anxiety. They’ll ask you questions about your mood, enjoyment of activities, and any eating or sleeping problems. 

“We’ll also check in on how socially connected you are, since loneliness is a risk factor for depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Lee.  

5. Skin check  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Sun damage accumulates over time. So it makes sense that most cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in older adults, according to the CDC. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an annual skin check to look for suspicious spots on your body. If you don’t have a dermatologist, you can ask your doctor for a recommendation.  

6. Cancer  

You probably don’t need to be screened for every type of cancer. In fact, more screening isn’t necessarily better. According to the National Cancer Institute, at least half of older adults received at least one cancer screening test that they didn’t need. Generally, you’ll want the following screenings: 

• Colorectal cancer through age 75. 
• Cervical cancer for women through age 65. 
• Mammogram to detect breast cancer in women through age 74.  

Those guidelines are for people of average risk. If your risk is higher, you may need to follow a different screening schedule. Your doctor can help determine your risk level and the appropriate screening schedule for you.  

7. Lung function  

Are you experiencing wheezing, shortness of breath, or a cough? Your doctor might recommend a lung function test. These screenings, such as spirometry, can help check for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. 

Smoking is a big risk factor for COPD. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your smoking history and what tests you may need. 

8. Bone density  

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones, making you more prone to fractures. Screening for osteoporosis with a bone density test is recommended for women age 65 and over.   

Your Medicare plan will likely cover a bone density test every 24 months if you’re at risk of osteoporosis or meet certain health criteria. 

Additional sources: 
Preventive care for seniors: American Academy of Family Physicians 
High blood pressure overview: U.S. Food & Drug Administration 
Cholesterol test overview: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Diabetes complications: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Older adults and mental health: National Institute of Mental Health 
Skin cancer screening recommendations: Skin Cancer Foundation 
Hepatitis C screening recommendations: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
Breast cancer screening guidelines: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
Cervical cancer screening guidelines: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
Osteoporosis screening guidelines: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
Bone density test criteria for coverage: Medicare.gov 

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