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Review blood pressure, weight, medications, family history, mood, tobacco and alcohol use, and other health risks. Discuss nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, and safety. Screening frequency depends on previous results and individual risk.

Age-specific care includes growth and development, newborn screening follow-up, hearing and vision, oral health, and behavioral and emotional wellbeing. Lead exposure, anemia, tuberculosis, and cholesterol testing depend on age, risk, and applicable requirements. Adolescents also need confidential discussions about mental health, substance use, and sexual health.

Use the pediatric preventive-care schedule for exact timing. Please call to confirm pediatric services and the ages seen at this office.

For average-risk women, USPSTF recommends a mammogram every 2 years from ages 40 through 74. Earlier or additional imaging may be appropriate with elevated risk. At 75 and older, decide individually. A breast symptom needs evaluation at any age.

For average-risk people with a cervix: ages 21–29, a Pap test every 3 years; ages 30–65, a Pap test every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing every 5 years, or combined Pap/HPV testing every 5 years. Prior abnormal results, immune suppression, or certain surgeries change the plan. Stopping after 65 requires review of adequate prior screening and risk.

Average-risk adults generally start at 45. Options include an annual stool FIT test or a colonoscopy every 10 years when results are normal; other approved strategies are available. A positive stool screen needs colonoscopy. Ages 76–85: individual decisions based on health and previous screening. Family history or prior polyps may mean earlier or more frequent testing.

Annual low-dose chest CT is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within 15 years. One pack-year means an average of one pack daily for one year. Eligibility also depends on overall health and ability to undergo treatment; a chest X-ray is not a substitute.

PSA blood testing is not an automatic annual test. USPSTF recommends an individual discussion for ages 55–69 about potential benefit, false positives, and overdiagnosis, and recommends against routine screening at age 70 or older. Higher-risk patients may discuss earlier assessment with their clinician.

Bone-density (DXA) screening is recommended for women 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women at increased fracture risk. Testing in men is individualized. One-time abdominal ultrasound is recommended for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked; other circumstances need individual assessment.

Diabetes screening: generally ages 35–70 with overweight or obesity under USPSTF guidance; earlier testing may be appropriate with additional risks. A1c or glucose testing can be used. Cholesterol testing is based on age and cardiovascular risk.

HIV screening generally covers ages 15–65 and other ages at risk; hepatitis C, ages 18–79. CDC recommends a one-time hepatitis B triple-panel screen for adults 18 and older. Repeat testing, STI screening, and tuberculosis testing depend on exposures and risk.

Coordinate prenatal testing with the obstetric clinician: blood pressure, blood type/Rh status, infection testing, urine culture, and gestational diabetes screening as appropriate. A strong cancer family history may warrant genetic counseling. Older adults benefit from review of falls, function, medications, hearing or vision concerns, and goals of care. These needs do not all require a blood test.

Review routine and catch-up protection against hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, Hib, pneumococcus, polio, measles/mumps/rubella, varicella, HPV, meningococcal disease, and influenza. COVID-19 guidance and infant RSV protection require a current age-specific review. Infant RSV antibody products are immunizations, not vaccines. Confirm pediatric availability with the office.

Influenza yearly; review current COVID-19 recommendations. Tdap once if needed, followed by Td/Tdap every 10 years. HPV catch-up through age 26; ages 27–45 by shared decision. Hepatitis B routinely through 59, and at 60+ based on risk or request. Review MMR, varicella, and polio if protection is incomplete.

Shingles: a 2-dose series at 50+, or 19+ with certain immune-compromising conditions. Pneumococcal: generally 50+, or younger with qualifying risks; doses depend on prior vaccination. RSV: one dose at 75+, or ages 50–74 with increased risk. RSV vaccination is not currently annual.

Tdap during each pregnancy, usually at 27–36 weeks. Discuss influenza, current COVID-19 guidance, and seasonal maternal RSV eligibility with the prenatal clinician. Hepatitis A, meningococcal, mpox, Hib, and travel vaccines depend on exposure, destination, health conditions, and prior doses. Live vaccines require special review in pregnancy or immune suppression.