For those of you with health insurance, it’s important to know what your plan covers. Many insurance plans offer annual preventive visits with your primary care provider at no out of pocket cost, making it a valuable opportunity to stay on top of your health. Having quality health insurance is a privilege, and it’s important to make the most of it by scheduling an annual exam every year. 

For those without insurance, the Telluride Regional Medical Center is running a special program, allowing uninsured patients to receive an annual exam at a discounted rate. “These yearly check-ups aren’t just routine—they include basic screenings that could reveal serious health issues you might not be aware of,” says McGough. “If your insurance covers it, or if the cost is minimal, why wouldn’t you take advantage of this opportunity?” 

As Emily McGough, Nurse Practitioner at Telluride Regional Medical Center, explains, preventive care isn’t just about waiting for something to go wrong. “We often see people wait until they have a serious injury—whether from skiing 100 days a year or simply from the wear and tear of daily life—before seeking care. But the best-case scenario? You come in, get a clean bill of health, and move forward with peace of mind. Preventive care means staying informed and in control.” 

Through early detection, patients can take action before problems worsen, preventing more severe health issues and potentially saving on healthcare costs. “Men between 18 and 50 are often the hardest to convince that they need preventive care. But the reality is, the choices we make today shape our health tomorrow,” adds McGough. 

At the Telluride Regional Medical Center, we prioritize prevention as the foundation of wellness. Through our comprehensive annual exams, we help our patients stay on top of their health, which in turn reduces the strain on community healthcare resources and allows our patients to live a healthier life. Proactive care not only benefits you personally but also contributes to the broader community by preventing illnesses that could have been avoided with regular screenings. 

TMC’s Goals of an Annual Exam 

  • Assess your individual risk factors for appropriate screenings and counseling. 
  • Provide time to discuss preventive services without being distracted by acute or chronic health issues. 
  • Strengthen your relationship with your provider and ensure you feel comfortable discussing any health concerns. 
  • Help establish long-term health goals and set expectations for the year ahead. 

Screenings and Services Offered 

During your visit, you’ll receive a range of screenings and services, depending on your age, gender, and risk factors. These may include: 

  • Cardiovascular risk assessments (lab fees may apply). 
  • Cancer screenings, including for breast, lung, skin, cervical, prostate, and colon cancer. 
  • Alcohol and substance use screening (using the SBIRT method). 
  • Mental health screenings for depression and anxiety. 
  • Obesity and hypertension screenings (BMI measurements and blood pressure checks). 
  • Diabetes risk screening (with labs if indicated; lab fees may apply). 
  • STI and HIV screenings (for sexually transmitted infections, with lab fees as applicable). 
  • Screening for social determinants of health, such as housing insecurity or intimate partner violence, with referrals provided if necessary. 

Exam Components 

For non-Medicare patients, the exam will include: 

  • Visual acuity tests (checking eyesight). 
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. 
  • Skin checks for any abnormalities. 
  • Gender-specific exams, if indicated. 
  • Vitals assessment, including blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, and pulse. 

 

For Medicare patients, these exams will differ slightly and may require labs to be scheduled separately, depending on your specific plan. Please note that Medicare patients in for an annual do not get a physical exam.  

Counseling and Recommendations 

In addition to screenings and exams, you’ll also have the opportunity to receive counseling on a variety of health topics, including: 

  • Contraception and family planning. 
  • Healthy eating and exercise to maintain or improve wellness. 
  • Weight management and BMI counseling. 
  • Cancer prevention strategies. 
  • Immunization recommendations, ensuring you’re up to date on vaccinations. 

Our providers will also help reconcile any medications you’re taking, manage prescriptions, and make any necessary referrals for further care, such as: 

  • Colorectal screening (ages 45–75). 
  • Mammograms (for women ages 40–75). 
  • Osteoporosis screening (for women aged 50+). 

Understanding the Annual Preventive Exam 

An Annual Preventive Exam is an opportunity to focus on your overall health and well-being. During this visit, your provider will review your personal and family health histories, perform preventive screenings, and offer guidance on maintaining your health based on your unique needs. While this visit is designed to focus on preventive care, if you have specific concerns or ongoing health conditions, a separate appointment may be necessary to address those issues in detail. 

Well Visits for Every Age 

TRMC provides various well visits to meet the needs of all age groups: 

  • Well Child Check (WCC) for children from birth through 17 years old. 
  • Adult Physical Exam (PE) for patients 18 and older. 
  • Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) for patients aged 65 and older, which focuses on preventive care specific to older adults. 

Don’t wait until a health issue arises to see your provider. Taking advantage of your annual preventive exam is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. These visits help identify potential health risks early, allowing you and your provider to address them before they become serious problems. 

 Schedule your annual preventive exam at TRMC by calling (970) 728-3848 today and take a proactive step toward a healthier future.