ConsumerWISE |
Glossary of Terms for Preventive Care Screening
This glossary has been prepared to help you better understand Deseret Mutual's recommendations
for preventative care.
Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the force exerted by
the blood on the walls of your arteries. Measuring the blood pressure is a means
of evaluating the status of the cardiovascular system. If your blood pressure is
elevated, your health care provider may suggest physical activity, modification
of your diet, weight reduction and possibly medication.
Breast exam: The breast exam is a method for detecting
early breast cancer. Women should have a breast examination performed by their health
care provider whenever routine physical examinations occur. Self breast examinations
should be done monthly.
Cholesterol: A blood test used to determine the
risk of developing coronary heart disease. Cholesterol levels can be modified by
dietary modifications, physical activity, weight reduction, and medications.
Colonoscopy: This screening procedure is performed
to detect colorectal cancer. A lighted tube is used to visualize the entire colon
area. It is recommended for use in patients with a family history of colon cancer
or a family history of polyps in the large intestine.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This screening procedure
is performed to detect early signs of colorectal cancer. A lighted tube is used
to examine the entire rectum and the lower part of the colon. This test is often
done in conjunction with the stool for occult blood as an initial screening.
Influenza vaccination: Individuals aged 65 and
older and persons at increased risk should receive yearly influenza vaccinations.
Person at increased risk include residents in nursing homes or other chronic care
facilities, women who will be beyond the first trimester of pregnancy during the
influenza season, adults or children with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, kidney
problems, or on immunosuppressants, etc.
Mammography: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of
the breast used to detect abnormalities and identify tumors. Women should have the
mammogram:
- Every one to two years between the ages of 40 and 49
- Yearly when age 50 and older
- Women with a personal history of breast cancer should have a yearly mammogram
Pap smear: The Pap smear is a test used to detect
cervical cancer or abnormalities. Your health care provider does it during a pelvic
exam.
Physical Exam: The physical exam provides a basis
for your health care provider to help you manage your health care needs. A health
history provides information about your past health status, allergies, medication
utilization, family history, review of surgeries, etc. The physical exam facilitates
early detection of disease and other health problems. Deseret Mutual recommends
the following schedules for obtaining physical exams:
- Age 19-39 One exam every three years
- Age 40-49 One exam every two years
- Age 50 or older One exam every year
Pneumococcal vaccination: All individuals with
competent immune function aged 65 and older or otherwise at increased risk for pneumococcal
disease, should receive a pneumococcal vaccination at least one. High-risk groups
for pneumococcal infection include adults and children with chronic illnesses (heart,
lung, diabetes, etc.), individuals whose immune systems are compromised (such as
individuals with sickle cell anemia, chronic renal failure, organ transplantation,
multiple myeloma, etc.) and residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities.
Stool for occult blood: This is a test to identify
blood in your stool (bowel movement). Your health care provider will give you a
specimen card with instructions for use. The blood stool test remains the first-line
screening method for bowel cancer.
Tetanus-diphtheria booster: A vaccination to prevent
tetanus and diphtheria. All adults should have a tetanus / diphtheria booster every
ten years after a primary immunization series.
For more detailed information on these services, please refer to the
Healthwise® Medical Knowledgebase.
For information concerning your benefits for these services please see your benefits handbook.
If you have any questions, please contact Deseret Mutual.