Use these tools to educate and remind your patients about their routine preventive care, chronic condition management, or to help them better understand their health plan.
Fact sheets and checklists
Preventive and diagnostic care: What’s the difference? – Head off patient confusion about care that may be free as a preventive service versus care that may incur a cost because it is diagnostic. Mail it to patients along with screening or appointment reminders, or place it in waiting rooms.
Diabetic eye exams – Help patients with diabetes understand their benefits for diabetic eye exams. (co-branded version).
Template language to use in messages to patients
Use the language below in your own patient communications to engage patients who are due for routine preventive or chronic care screenings, or to encourage patients who have not initiated their relationship with a primary care provider to schedule an appointment.
Our records show that you have not received a routine checkup in a while. A recent report shows that checkups help monitor your risk for chronic diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
Your health insurance plan covers these essential visits and screenings at no cost. And they’re too important to miss. Be sure you’re taking full advantage of your coverage.
- Routine health checkups
- Routine gynecological visits
- Immunizations for you and your family
- Cancer screenings like colonoscopies and mammograms
- Depression screenings
- Obesity screenings
- Tobacco and alcohol use evaluations
Factors like age and gender can determine which screenings are right for you. For general guidelines, use the tool at health.gov/myhealthfinder. Remember, these guidelines are meant for adults in good health with no symptoms or history of medical problems. When you come in for your checkup, we can discuss your family medical history and the right screening options for you.
To schedule your routine health checkup, please call our office today at [Practice phone number]. To review your preventive care benefits, call the number on the front of your health plan member ID card.
Dear parents of [Patient's name],
As your child grows up, you may notice that you’re coming to our office less often than you did when they were little. However, it’s important to schedule regular checkups to monitor your child’s growth and development.
During your child’s checkup, we measure height, weight, and blood pressure, screen for scoliosis, and give immunizations (if due). It’s also an opportunity to talk to you and your child about the following, sometimes sensitive, topics:
- School performance
- Injury prevention
- Safe driving
- Substance use
- Sexual behavior
- Dental health
- Nutrition and exercise
Scheduling a health checkup ensures that your child gets the appropriate health screenings for their age. It also gives them the opportunity to talk or ask questions, which may be more comfortable with a well-informed adult who doesn’t have the emotional connection of a parent or close family member.
To schedule [Patient's] next checkup, please call [Practice phone number].
When your child outgrows their pediatrician, be sure to inform your insurer of the name of their new primary care provider.
Our records show that your child has not received a routine health checkup in a while. Checkups are covered by your health plan at no additional cost to you.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend health checkups on a regular basis. In addition, there are many reasons to bring your child in for routine visits, including:
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the schedule below for routine checkups, at the following stages:
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I can also discuss the benefits and the timing of routine health checkups with you. To schedule a visit for your child, please call my office today at [Practice phone number].
Our records show that you have not received your cholesterol screening. As a patient with heart disease, it’s important to monitor and control your cholesterol level to lower your risk of a heart attack.
Bad cholesterol, also known as LDL, clings to blood vessel walls and forms plaque. When it comes to your LDL, lower numbers are the best numbers—and the more risk factors you have, the lower your LDL goal needs to be. After your screening, our office will be in touch with you to discuss your number and any next steps you may need to take control of your cholesterol.
To make your appointment, please call our office at [phone number]. Or, you may visit one of the facilities listed below to have your cholesterol checked.
| Additional facilities to receive your screening | |
|---|---|
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
Our records show that it’s time to schedule your colorectal cancer screening. It’s important to note that your health insurance plan may cover this screening at no cost, and at-home screening options may be available. Make sure to check your preventive care benefits.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women in the United States, and often has no obvious warning signs. However, when detected early, it can be treated successfully. Experts predict that approximately 25,000 lives could be saved this year if everyone ages 46 and older gets screened.
Call us at [phone number] or one of the screening centers listed below to schedule your appointment or find out more about at-home screening options.
| Additional facilities to receive your screening | |
|---|---|
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
Our records show that you have not scheduled one or more important routine tests to manage your diabetes.
Although you are self-managing your diabetes, which includes watching your diet, remembering your medications, and monitoring your blood sugar, you also need to see your doctor regularly and have necessary tests completed. These tests help prevent against any possible complications related to your nervous system, kidneys, eyes, or heart.
| Test | What it measures | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Blood sugar over the course of several weeks | Twice a year (minimum) |
| Kidneys | How well the kidneys are functioning | Once a year |
| Eye exam | Potential damage to the blood vessels of the retina | Once a year |
| Cholesterol | Cardiovascular health; the condition of the blood vessel walls | Once a year |
| Blood pressure | Cardiovascular health | Each doctor's visit |
Please call our office today at [Practice phone number] to schedule your appointment.
Our records indicate that you’re overdue for your breast cancer screening. It’s important to note that your health insurance plan may cover screenings at no cost. Make sure to check your preventive care benefits.
Did you know that breast cancer is found in one in eight women? That’s why breast cancer screenings are so important to women’s health. They can help find breast cancer early—greatly increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Call our scheduling department at [phone number] or call one of the screening centers listed below.
| Additional facilities to receive your screening | |
|---|---|
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
| [Facility name and contact information] | [Facility name and contact information] |
See how we encourage our members to stay on top of their health
Visit www.bluecrossma.org/myblue/your-health/health-and-wellness/preventive-care.
