Wellness & Prevention
Preventive Health & Screening — Stay Healthy Before Issues Arise
Preventive care is not just for people who are sick. Annual wellness conversations, routine health screenings, and staying on top of key health markers are how you catch small problems before they become big ones. A licensed provider can help guide your preventive health, starting today.
Start a VisitAbout preventive health
🌿 The best healthcare is the kind you get before you need it
Most people see a doctor when something is wrong. But the people who stay healthiest over time are the ones who check in regularly when things feel fine, because that is when you have the most opportunity to do something about what you find. Preventive health care means staying ahead of chronic disease, catching risk factors before they become diagnoses, and making informed decisions about your own body with the guidance of a licensed provider.
Telehealth makes preventive care more accessible than it has ever been. You do not need to schedule months in advance, sit in a waiting room, or wait until something feels wrong to talk to a provider. A preventive health visit through MyPhysician360 is a real clinical conversation about your history, your risk factors, your current health, and what to monitor or do differently.
A note on lab work
Many preventive health screenings involve laboratory testing: blood work, cholesterol panels, blood sugar, thyroid, and more. We are actively working to offer integrated lab ordering. In the meantime, when lab work is part of your care plan, your provider can refer you to a local lab or work with your existing results to guide next steps. If you have recent labs from your primary care doctor or another provider, bring them to your visit and we can review and interpret them with you.
Why preventive care pays off
Chronic conditions — heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers — are among the leading causes of death in the United States, and many are largely preventable or manageable when caught early. Studies consistently show that preventive care helps identify disease earlier, supports healthier aging, and improves long-term health outcomes. Getting care when you feel well is one of the most effective things you can do for your future self.
Preventive health topics
📋 What a preventive health visit can cover
Preventive care is not one-size-fits-all. Your age, sex, family history, lifestyle, and current medications all shape which screenings, conversations, and interventions are most relevant for you. A licensed provider can help you determine which matters most for your situation right now.
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Cardiovascular health
Blood pressure review, home monitoring guidance, hypertension management, cardiovascular risk assessment, heart-healthy lifestyle guidance, and medication review when appropriate.
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Blood sugar & diabetes prevention
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk evaluation, review of blood sugar and A1C results, lifestyle guidance, and metformin discussion when clinically appropriate for higher-risk patients.
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Weight & metabolic health
BMI and body composition discussion, metabolic risk assessment, medical weight management options, and referral to nutrition or specialist support when appropriate.
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Mental health screening
Screening for depression, anxiety, and stress-related concerns using validated tools; medication and referral to therapy when appropriate.
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Thyroid health
Thyroid symptom evaluation, review of thyroid lab results when available, and referral for testing when clinically indicated based on symptoms and history.
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Medication review
Review of current medications for interactions, side effects, and whether ongoing prescriptions still reflect your current health needs. Refills and adjustments when appropriate.
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Smoking & tobacco cessation
Quit-smoking support including prescription cessation medications (varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement when clinically appropriate), personalized strategies, and follow-up support.
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Vaccination guidance
Review of your current vaccination status and what may be due based on your age and health history: flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, Tdap, and others. Referral to local pharmacy or clinic for administration.
Screenings that require in-person or specialized care
Some essential preventive screenings cannot be done through telehealth and require in-person visits or specialist care, including mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, skin cancer exams, bone density scans, and eye exams. A provider can help you understand which screenings are due for your age and risk profile, and refer you to the right in-person provider for those that cannot be done virtually.
Time for a check-in?
🔍 Signs it might be time for a preventive health visit
Preventive care does not always wait for obvious symptoms. These are common signs that a check-in with a provider is overdue, or that preventive health conversations are particularly relevant for you right now.
- →You have not talked to a provider in over a year: even if you feel fine, an annual wellness conversation helps establish your baseline and catch changes early
- →You have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer: family history significantly shapes your personal risk and which screenings matter most for you
- →Your blood pressure has been high or you have never had it checked: hypertension is the "silent killer" because it causes no symptoms until complications arise
- →Your weight has changed significantly: unintentional weight gain or loss can be a sign of underlying metabolic or medical changes worth evaluating
- →You smoke, drink regularly, or have other lifestyle factors affecting your health: these directly shape your risk profile and your preventive care priorities
- →You are approaching or past key screening ages: starting at 45 for colorectal cancer screening, 40 for mammograms depending on risk, 65+ for bone density, and others based on your profile
- →You feel persistently tired, foggy, or "off" without a clear explanation: fatigue and general malaise can be the first signal of thyroid issues, anemia, blood sugar changes, or depression
- →You have started a new medication and have not had a follow-up: ongoing medications deserve periodic reassessment to ensure they are still appropriate and well-tolerated
- →You have been meaning to quit smoking but have not found the right support: effective cessation medications and strategies are available through a telehealth visit
- →You are not sure which screenings are due for your age: a preventive health visit is the right place to find out
Not sure where your health stands? A licensed provider can help you figure out what to prioritize.
Start a VisitHow online care helps with prevention
💻 What telehealth can do for your preventive health
Telehealth is well suited for many preventive care discussions, including reviewing your medical history, risk factors, medications, screening recommendations, and existing test results. Some aspects of preventive care, including physical examinations and certain screenings, still require in-person care. A provider can help you understand what can be addressed virtually and what steps to take in person.
| What a telehealth preventive visit can do | What requires in-person care |
|---|---|
| Annual wellness conversation and health history review | Physical examination (heart, lungs, abdomen, skin) |
| Blood pressure guidance and hypertension management discussion | Mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopy, and other in-person screenings |
| Review and interpret your existing lab results | Lab work requiring blood draw or specimen collection (referrals provided) |
| Cardiovascular risk assessment and lifestyle guidance | Bone density scans, eye exams, hearing tests |
| Blood sugar and metabolic health discussion | Procedures, vaccinations requiring in-person administration |
| Mental health screening (depression, anxiety) | Complex specialist care (cardiology, endocrinology, oncology) |
| Medication review, refills, and adjustments | |
| Smoking cessation prescriptions and support | |
| Vaccination review and referral guidance | |
| Referral coordination for in-person screenings you need |
- ⏰ No long waits for an appointment. Preventive care is exactly the kind of visit that gets pushed back when scheduling is a barrier. Same-day appointments may be available.
- 🏠 From wherever your life is happening. At home, at work, during lunch. A preventive health visit fits into a real schedule.
- 🔬 Lab referrals when you need them. When blood work, cholesterol panels, or other testing is appropriate for your preventive plan, your provider can refer you to a local lab and help you interpret the results.
- 🔗 Connection to specialist care. If something in your history or health picture warrants specialist evaluation, your provider can help coordinate the right next step.
Preventive screenings by age
🔬 Key preventive screenings — what's recommended and when
Preventive screening recommendations are based on your age, sex, family history, and individual risk factors. This is a general guide, and your provider will help you determine which screenings are most relevant for you specifically.
| Screening | Who it's for | Frequency & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure check | All adults | At least annually during routine healthcare visits, with more frequent monitoring when elevated or when risk factors are present. Home monitoring can complement in-office checks. |
| Cholesterol panel (lipid panel) | Adults based on age and cardiovascular risk profile | Frequency depends on risk profile and prior results. Requires lab work; referral provided. |
| Blood sugar / A1C | Adults age 35 and older; younger adults with overweight, obesity, or additional risk factors | Every 3 years if normal. Identifies prediabetes and diabetes early, when lifestyle intervention is most impactful. Lab referral. |
| Depression screening | All adults | Annually using validated screening tools such as the PHQ-9. Mental health is part of preventive care, not a separate category. |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Adults 45–75 | Starting at 45; earlier with family history. Colonoscopy or stool-based tests. In-person procedure. Provider can refer and help you choose the right method. |
| Mammogram (breast cancer) | Women beginning at age 40, with screening intervals based on individual risk and shared decision-making | In-person imaging. Guidelines vary by organization and individual risk. Your provider can discuss what is most appropriate for your situation and refer you. |
| Cervical cancer (Pap smear / HPV test) | Women 21–65 | Cervical cancer screening may involve Pap testing, HPV testing, or both depending on age and previous results. In-person procedure. Your provider can advise on what is current for your situation. |
| Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT) | Adults 50–80 with significant smoking history | Annually for current or former heavy smokers. In-person imaging. Discuss eligibility with your provider. |
| STI screening | Sexually active adults, especially under 25 or with new partners | At minimum annually; more frequently based on risk. See our STI Testing & Treatment page for complete detail. |
| Vaccination review | All adults | Review annually. Adults often fall behind on flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, Tdap, and other recommended vaccines. A provider can identify what is due for your age and health history and refer you for administration. |
| Bone density (DEXA scan) | Women 65+; younger with risk factors | Follow-up interval depends on initial results and whether treatment is underway. In-person imaging. Provider can advise and refer. |
⚠️ These are guidelines, not a substitute for individual guidance
Screening recommendations vary based on your individual risk profile, family history, race and ethnicity, and evolving clinical guidelines. A provider visit is the right place to determine which screenings are most important for you. This is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Some people need to start certain screenings earlier than the standard ages; others may have different priorities based on their health picture.
What to expect
🗓️ Your preventive health visit — what happens
Here is what a preventive health visit looks like from start to finish.
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1
Share your health history
Complete a brief intake covering your age, current health concerns, family history, medications, lifestyle factors, and any recent lab results you have. The more context you provide, the more targeted the conversation. |
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Talk with a licensed provider
A licensed provider reviews your intake and conducts a structured preventive health conversation, with follow-up questions about your risk factors, what you have been monitoring, and what has not been checked recently. |
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Get a personalized plan
Your provider outlines which screenings are most relevant for you, any lifestyle or medication changes to consider, referrals for in-person screenings or lab work as needed, and a timeline for follow-up. |
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Follow through with support
Preventive care is an ongoing practice, not a single visit. Your provider can be a consistent resource as you work through lab referrals, lifestyle changes, or any concerns that emerge from your screenings. |
Bring what you have
If you have recent lab results, a list of current medications, notes from a previous provider, or a blood pressure log, bring them to your visit. Your provider can review what you already have and help you identify what is still missing from your preventive picture, rather than starting from scratch.
Staying on the path to wellness
🏃 What preventive health looks like day to day
A preventive health visit sets your direction. The day-to-day habits are what determine your long-term health outcomes. These are the pillars that the evidence consistently points to.
Move regularly
- →The US Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (30 minutes, five days a week, at a pace that raises your heart rate)
- →Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and cognitive decline
- →Even small increases in activity matter. If you are currently sedentary, adding 20 minutes of walking a day is a meaningful start
Eat in patterns that support long-term health
- →Focus on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, without eliminating entire food groups or following extreme approaches
- →Reduce ultra-processed foods, added sugar, and excess sodium. No single food is dangerous, but patterns matter over time
- →Mediterranean-style eating patterns have some of the strongest evidence for long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health
Prioritize sleep
- →Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Chronic short sleep is associated with higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression
- →If you snore loudly, wake up unrefreshed, or feel excessively tired during the day, discuss sleep apnea screening with your provider
Know your numbers
- →Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI, and what they mean for your personal risk. A provider can help you interpret them in context
- →Keep a simple health log or use your phone's health app to track trends. The goal is not to obsess but to notice changes worth discussing
Prevention is not perfection
Preventive health is about consistent, sustainable habits over time, not perfection on any given day. Small, realistic changes maintained over years outperform dramatic short-term interventions every time. Your provider can help you identify the highest-leverage changes for your specific situation rather than hand you an impossible checklist.
Ready to get a clear picture of where your health stands? Let's talk.
Start a VisitPrescriptions, referrals & follow-through
🏪 When preventive care leads to a prescription or referral
Sometimes a preventive health visit results in a prescription: blood pressure medication, a statin for cholesterol, cessation medication for smoking, an antidepressant, or another medication appropriate to your situation. When that is the case, your prescription may be sent electronically to your pharmacy. When lab work or an in-person screening is the next step, your provider can help coordinate the referral.
- ✓When prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy
- ✓Referrals for lab work and in-person screenings provided when clinically indicated
- ✓Many preventive medications, including statins, metformin, and antihypertensives, are available as low-cost generics
- ✓No required memberships to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot help you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Preventive health — your questions answered
Common questions about preventive care through telehealth.
Is a telehealth visit a real preventive health visit?
Yes, with some limitations. A telehealth preventive health visit is a real, structured clinical conversation with a licensed provider who reviews your health history, risk factors, current medications, and lifestyle. It can result in prescriptions, referrals, screening guidance, and a personalized preventive plan. What it cannot do is replace the physical examination components of an in-person annual physical: listening to your heart and lungs, palpating your abdomen, doing a skin exam, or performing a Pap smear. Think of a telehealth preventive visit as the conversation component of primary care. It is comprehensive, valuable, and complementary to in-person exams where those are needed.
Can I get lab work ordered through a telehealth visit?
We are actively working on integrated lab ordering and expect to offer it soon. In the meantime, when lab work is part of your care plan, your provider can refer you to a local lab and help you understand which tests are most relevant for your situation. If you already have recent lab results from another provider, bring them to your visit and your provider can review and interpret them with you.
What preventive screenings can I get through telehealth?
Through a telehealth visit, a provider can conduct mental health screenings (depression, anxiety), blood pressure guidance, cardiovascular risk assessment, blood sugar and metabolic health discussion, and medication reviews. Screenings that require physical presence — Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, skin exams, bone density scans, and others — require in-person care, but your provider can advise which are due for your age and risk profile and help you coordinate the right referrals.
How often should I have a preventive health visit?
For most healthy adults, an annual wellness conversation with a provider is a reasonable cadence, consistent with the USPSTF and most primary care guidelines. People with chronic conditions, multiple risk factors, or active health management needs may benefit from more frequent check-ins. Your provider can advise on the right frequency for your situation.
Is preventive care covered by insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover preventive services, often at no cost to the patient, even before a deductible is met, under the Affordable Care Act. However, coverage varies by plan and what is specifically defined as "preventive" versus "diagnostic." Telehealth visits for preventive care may or may not be covered at the same rate as in-person preventive visits depending on your plan. MyPhysician360 visits may be eligible for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA. Check with your plan administrator for specifics, and remember that our visits are available at a fixed cost with no required membership.
Can a telehealth provider help me quit smoking?
Yes. Smoking cessation is one of the highest-impact preventive health interventions available, and it is one of the things telehealth does particularly well. A licensed provider can prescribe varenicline (Chantix), bupropion, or nicotine replacement therapy when clinically appropriate, discuss behavioral strategies, and provide ongoing support and follow-up, all through a telehealth visit. You do not need to be ready to quit immediately to start the conversation.
What if I have not seen a doctor in years?
You are exactly who preventive care is designed for. A telehealth preventive health visit is a good first step back into regular healthcare: low barrier, no waiting room, and a real clinical conversation about where you stand. Your provider will not lecture you about the gap. They will help you figure out where you are now and what to prioritize going forward, starting from wherever you are.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible and may be eligible for reimbursement through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account. Check with your plan administrator for specifics.
Helpful resources
📚 Trusted preventive health resources
Authoritative information on preventive care recommendations from leading public health and medical organizations.
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🔬 Screening guidelines USPSTF preventive services recommendations — what is recommended and for whom U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Visit USPSTF |
❤️ Heart health Prevention and wellness — heart disease risk reduction and healthy lifestyle guidance American Heart Association Visit American Heart Association |
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🩸 Diabetes prevention National Diabetes Prevention Program — lifestyle change to prevent type 2 diabetes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Visit CDC Diabetes Prevention |
🧠 Mental health Mental health screening tools and wellness resources Mental Health America Visit Mental Health America |
Your healthiest years are ahead. Let's make sure of it.
A licensed provider can help you understand where your health stands, which screenings are due, and what to prioritize. Visits are available privately and same day when possible, from wherever you are. No required membership. No referral needed.
HSA & FSA eligible | No required membership | No charge if we can't help
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or replace individualized care from a licensed provider. Preventive screening recommendations vary by age, sex, family history, and individual risk factors. The guidance on this page is general and should be interpreted with the help of a licensed provider for your specific situation. Lab work and in-person screenings require in-person visits; MyPhysician360 can refer you appropriately. Integrated lab ordering is not yet available through MyPhysician360. A licensed MyPhysician360 provider will review your complete health history before making any recommendations or prescribing any medication. MyPhysician360 services are available in most states. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.