As a young working professional, it's easy to forget about scheduling an annual appointment to see the doctor. When you’re busy with work and friends, seeing a doctor when you're not sick can feel like a waste of time! That’s likely why 93 percent of young adults don’t schedule preventive care visits. Unfortunately, these appointments are essential to catching health issues early, so they can be treated more easily. The longer a problem goes unaddressed, the tougher it can be to deal with and recover from. Still not convinced? Here are the top excuses you might be using to skip out on an annual check-up—and why they don’t fly:
Excuse #1: “Seeing the doctor is too expensive.”
Reality check: In a recent survey of 1,000 millennials, 29 percent shared concerns about whether or not their health plan covered basic exams and 27 percent said they avoided visits due to cost. But most plans cover basic preventive services like regular wellness check-ups and vaccinations. In many cases, you won’t even have to pay an office copay. To learn more about the ways that preventive care helps you save money, visit this blog.
Excuse #2: “With so much to do, I don’t have time for it.”
Reality check: The average annual exam takes between 30 to 60 minutes. In the time it takes to grab lunch or hit the gym, you can get your check-up done. Feeling sick or have a worrying symptom that you can’t seem to shake? As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network member, you have access to 24/7 online health care that connects you with a board-certified physician. This time-saving option provides instant advice without driving to urgent care.
Excuse #3: “I work out every day, so I know I’m in good health.”
Reality check: Being young and active is fantastic, but it does not make you invincible. Routine exams can help catch symptomless issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can affect even the most physically fit person. For more simple and straightforward ways to make your health a priority, visit these blogs:
- Do You Know What Screenings Are Covered by Most Insurance Plans?
- What You Need to Know About Preventive Services
- The Cost of Care: Preventive Health
Photo Credit: Darko Stojanovic