The Fidelis Care Blog

Both preventive care and sick care are important to keep you healthy. But what is the difference? Preventive care means you are seeing your healthcare provider regularly to help you stay healthy. Regular well visits can help keep you from getting sick and find health problems early. On the other hand, sick care is when you see a provider because you are not feeling well.

What is Preventive Care?

Regular preventive care gives you the chance to talk to your provider about your health and goals for the year. It is a way to keep you from getting sick. Even if you feel healthy, you should get a preventive checkup once a year. For children, these visits are often called well-child exams. For adults, they may be called annuals, annual wellness visits, or physicals.

These preventive care visits, depending on your age, might include:

• Complete physical exam
• Immunizations and/or vaccinations
• Blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol screenings
• Screenings as recommended by your provider (mammograms, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, and others)
• Sexually transmitted infection testing
• Review of medical history, general health, and well-being
• Developmental screenings in children
• ​A review of your medical and family history
• A review of your current prescriptions
• A reminder to schedule your regular dental appointment
• A basic vision check (at children’s well-child exams)

All Fidelis Care plans fully cover ONE preventive office visit per year. Children’s annual well visits are also covered for Fidelis Care members. Learn more about Fidelis Care's health plans here.

Here are some questions you might ask your provider:

• Am I due for any vaccinations?
• Do I need any health screenings or blood tests?
• Do I need any changes to my prescriptions?
• What lifestyle changes should I consider to improve my overall health?
• When should I schedule my next visit?

It is important to have an ongoing doctor-patient relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) who knows you and your health. Visit your PCP at least once a year for a regular checkup, so your PCP can see any changes in your health and help you develop a plan that’s right for you. See your PCP regularly if you have an ongoing health problem. Having a primary care provider can lower your annual cost of care by more than 40 percent by catching health issues early before costly procedures or tests are needed.

What is Sick Care?

Sick care includes seeing your provider to treat an illness or injury. This type of care helps to make you feel better. Your provider will address your current condition and suggest ways to feel healthier.

You should see your provider for sick care if you feel sick or if something feels wrong. The care you get depends on your symptoms and your pain.

Overall, preventive care is an important way to help you live a healthy, happy life. Talk to your provider today to schedule your annual visit.

Sources

https://www.columbiadoctors.org/specialties/primary-care/preventive-care

https://www.myhorizonhealth.org/blog-news/2023/october/preventive-care-vs-office-visit/

https://connect.bcbsok.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/preventive-or-medical

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/preventive-vs-diagnostic-care-what-to-know-and-why-it-matters