Generally most people, especially men, go to the doctor only when they have to.
Sometimes that's too late.
Some years ago I went in for a "Wellness Check-up.
" Everything was fine.
In passing I mentioned to the doctor that I had a sore behind my ear that would not heal.
He looked at it, decided he needed to do a biopsy and discovered the sore would not heal because it was basil cell carcinoma.
I'm glad I caught it when I did.
About a month later I had a simple operation as an out-patient that took care of the problem.
Most insurance policies include "Preventive Care" benefits, sometimes called wellness care or well-child care.
This provision can include a wide range of services, e.
g.
- routine physical exams, - diagnostic xrays, - laboratory services, - immunizations, - well-baby care, - gynecologic exams, - mammography screening, - pap tests, - sigmoidoscopy (screening for colon rectal cancer), - PSA test for prostate cancer.
Check your policy and/or phone the benefits/claims number of your insurance company to get a total picture of the wellness benefits provided for you.
Some companies put a dollar limit on wellness care.
Most require that you pay the co-pay when you go for a wellness check up.
Also some put a waiting period of 90 days or more that you must be with the company before the preventive care benefits kick in.
Study your policy to find what wellness benefits your insurance provides before you go for your wellness checkup.
Remember, you go for your wellness check-up when you are not sick, when you have no symptoms.
If you go to the doctor because you are sick you are not receiving your preventive care wellness benefit.
Everyone benefits - the doctor, the insurance company and you - if you use your preventive care benefits.
Taking a ¾ inch piece of skin from my ear is certainly easier, less expensive and less traumatic than trying to restructure a new ear for me.
I'm glad I went for my wellness check-up.