Understanding Preventive Services

What’s covered in a preventive visit?

Do you have questions about what is and what is not covered during a preventive exam? This quick guide will help you understand the services insurance covers and doesn’t cover during your preventive exam.

What’s Covered

A preventive exam includes:

  • Exam and counseling regarding health screenings appropriate for your age like a colonoscopy or mammogram.
  • Advice on staying healthy and making healthy living choices.
  • Identifying risk factors like smoking and fall risk.
  • Keeping your immunizations up to date.
  • Ordering screening lab work (lab tests to monitor an existing condition are not covered by insurance as preventive care).

What’s Not Covered

The following are not covered by insurance during a preventive exam*:

  • Discussion or diagnosis of a new health problem, illness, or injury.
  • Discussion or management of existing health problems.
  • Medication management including refills.

* Additional charges will be required.

We encourage open communication and want you to be proactive in your care. If you have a concern not covered by insurance during a preventive care exam, feel free to bring it up with your provider.

Please understand that regulatory guidelines require services not covered by insurance during a preventive exam to be billed separately, so you may see an additional charge on your bill. However, discussing an issue at your preventive care exam may be best for your health and less expensive for you overall than a separate appointment might be.

If you have questions regarding preventive services, we’re here to help! Please call Patient Resources at 507.474.3325 or see our website under Patients & Visitors, Billing & Insurance.