Health / Doctor visits


Confused About Health Screenings? Here’s What to Know.

Illustration of two doctors and a medical chart

Health guidelines can change based on the latest evidence, and this list makes it easy to keep up-to-date with screening recommendations for every age.

If you’re at higher risk for a certain health condition, your primary care provider (PCP) may recommend you begin screening sooner. A great time to talk with your PCP is during your annual checkup, which is $0 when you a see a provider in your BCBSRI health plan’s network. Many of the screenings in this checklist are also $0 when you see an in-network provider.

In Your 20s

  • Depression
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Cervical cancer screening (women), starting at age 21

In Your 30s

All the screenings above, plus:

  • Diabetes, starting at age 35

In Your 40s

All the screenings above, plus:

  • Breast cancer (women), starting at age 40
  • Colorectal cancer, starting at age 45

In Your 50s

All the screenings above, plus:

  • Prostate cancer (men) – Talk with your PCP about whether to get screened.

In Your 60s+

All the screenings above, plus:

  • Osteoporosis screening (women), starting at age 65 

If you are transgender or nonbinary

Ask your PCP which screenings are right for you. If you don’t have a PCP, BCBSRI Safe Zones identify healthcare practices that provide safe, affirming, and inclusive care to the LGBTQ community. Find one at bcbsri.com/safezones

Sources
A and B Recommendations | United States Preventive Services Taskforce 
Get a Cholesterol Test | cdc.gov
The ADA’s 2022 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Update - Blog - NIDDK (nih.gov)
Should I Get Screened for Prostate Cancer? | CDC

For preventive services to be covered without cost sharing, members must receive services from a network provider, and certain age, sex, and risk profile requirements may apply. For more information, please see your subscriber agreement or call Customer Service.