Your Health Checklist Before the Year Ends: Preventive Care, Screenings, and Insurance Tips

Your health is your most important asset and taking proactive steps before the year ends can make a significant difference in your long-term well-being. A primary care visit is not just a routine appointment, it is an opportunity to understand your body, prevent future health concerns and make informed decisions about your care.

As 2025 comes to a close, now is the perfect time to use your health benefits before they reset on January 1. Many insurance plans do not carry over unused benefits, which means scheduling appointments now ensures you make the most of the coverage you’ve already paid for. At Holy Cross Health, we are committed to helping patients navigate preventive care, screenings and health planning in a way that is easy to understand and actionable.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Preparation helps make your primary care visit efficient and productive. By taking a few steps before your visit, you ensure your provider can address all your health concerns and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

• Document your medications and supplements: Include all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. This helps your provider review interactions and make adjustments if necessary.
• Track symptoms and health changes: Note changes in energy, sleep, mood or recurring discomfort. Even small details can help your provider detect trends or potential concerns.
• Include lifestyle information: Record details about your diet, exercise habits, stress levels and sleep patterns. Your provider can offer guidance that fits your daily routine.
• Provide family health history: Share relevant conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or certain cancers. This allows your provider to recommend screenings and preventive measures that are most relevant to you.
• Prepare your questions: List the most important topics you want to cover, such as preventive screenings, medication concerns or lifestyle guidance. Prioritizing your questions ensures nothing is overlooked.

Some tests, scans or screenings may require a provider order before scheduling. If you are unsure, Holy Cross Health staff can guide you through the process, helping you use your insurance benefits efficiently and ensuring your visit is tailored to your needs.

Making Your Appointment Work for You

Your primary care visit is most effective when you actively engage with your provider. 

•  Ask clear questions: Bring a list of questions about new symptoms, medications or lifestyle habits. Prioritize what matters most so your provider can address it during the visit.
•  Request simple explanations: Ensure you understand your test results, medications or lifestyle recommendations. Clear understanding allows you to take confident steps toward better health.
•  Discuss lifestyle guidance: Share updates about your diet, physical activity, sleep and stress. Your provider can suggest changes tailored to your life and goals.
•  Clarify follow-up needs: Confirm any next steps, such as additional tests, specialist referrals or follow-up appointments. Knowing who to contact for questions after your visit keeps you informed.
•  Take notes during the visit: Write down instructions or recommendations to make it easier to implement your provider’s guidance and follow through on your health plan.

By actively participating in your appointment, you ensure that the time spent with your provider is productive and focused on what matters most for your health.

Important Preventive Screenings to Consider Before January 1

Preventive screenings are essential for maintaining health and identifying potential concerns early. Depending on your age, gender and health history, your provider may recommend:

• Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checks: These tests help monitor heart health and detect early signs of cardiovascular disease.
• Diabetes Screening: Detecting elevated blood sugar early allows for lifestyle or medical interventions to prevent complications.
• Cancer Screenings:
        o Mammograms for breast cancer
        o Colonoscopies for colon cancer
        o Skin exams for early detection of skin cancer
• Bone Density Testing: Helps prevent fractures and maintain mobility, especially for older adults.
• Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended immunizations protects against influenza, pneumonia and other preventable illnesses.

Scheduling these screenings before your insurance benefits reset ensures you are maximizing 2025 coverage while prioritizing long-term health.

Taking Charge of Your Health Before Year-End

A primary care visit is an opportunity to focus on your health, take preventive action and use your insurance benefits wisely. Preparing for the visit, engaging actively with your provider and following through afterward ensures you leave informed and empowered.

Preventive care, screenings and lifestyle guidance are the foundation for maintaining health and avoiding complications. By taking these steps now, you can step into 2026 with confidence, knowing you have taken meaningful action to protect your well-being.

Call Holy Cross Health at (954) 542-2500 or use the Holy Cross MyChart Patient Portal to schedule your visit today. If you are unsure which screenings or tests you need, the team can guide you through the process, ensuring your visit is productive and personalized.