Are You Scheduling These Visits Before Your Annual Health Benefits End?
As the year winds down, it’s easy to put off routine healthcare appointments—but now is the perfect time to schedule them before your benefits reset. “Small preventive steps can make a big difference for your long-term health,” says PIH Health Physician Cesar Espiritu MD. If you’ve met your deductible or have insurance benefits that reset in January, now is the perfect time to schedule appointments.
Schedule these five appointments before the year ends:
Annual Physical
Your health can change in just a year—an annual physical keeps you ahead of it. “At your annual physical, your physician will evaluate your vital signs, discuss any changes in your health, and assess your risk factors for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure,” says Dr. Espiritu. It’s also a great opportunity to update vaccines, review current medications, and address lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management.
Lab Work and Screenings
Don’t wait for a warning sign. Routine lab work and screenings let you catch health issues early, often before you even notice them. Blood tests, cholesterol checks, mammograms, colonoscopies, pap tests, and other routine screenings help you spot health issues early and stay ahead of disease. Scheduling these tests before the end of the year ensures you maximize your coverage and stay proactive about your long-term health.
Vision Exam
Even if you haven’t noticed changes in your eyesight, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetes-related eye changes. Eye exams also allow your optometrist to check for prescription updates, assess your overall eye health, and provide guidance on reducing eye strain—especially for those of us spending long hours on screens. Coverage typically resets annually, so scheduling an exam before year-end ensures you make the most of your benefits.
Elective Procedure
Been putting off that procedure? Now’s the time to go for it. Whether it’s removing a mole, repairing a hernia, or getting cataract surgery, scheduling before the year ends can save you money. If you’ve already met your deductible or hit your out-of-pocket maximum, your costs could be much lower now than next year when insurance resets. Taking care of these procedures now also helps you avoid longer wait times, which can be especially common at the end of the year. Plus, getting it done now means you can start the new year feeling healthier and stress-free.
Dental Cleaning
Regular dental visits keep your smile bright and play a crucial role in your overall health. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach, while a check-up allows your dentist to spot cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues before they become serious. Dental benefits often reset at the start of a new year, so now is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning or any necessary procedures you’ve been postponing. Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health.
Book your next appointment at PIHHealth.org/Appointments.
