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- Preventive Care
Hill Physicians Cares About Your Health!
Health screenings are helpful for early detection of some health conditions. Early detection means treatment can begin early, when it is usually most effective. That is why we made this easy guide to help you stay on track with recommended health screenings! If you’re due or unsure when your last screening was, talk with your doctor to review your screening history and get scheduled.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening is an important way to help prevent cancer or find it early, when treatment is often most effective. When detected early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate. There are many options for colorectal cancer screening. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
Colonoscopy: A procedure done at an outpatient endoscopy center. A long, flexible tube with a tiny camera is used to examine the rectum and colon for polyps or cancer cells. Abnormal polyps can be removed during the same procedure, preventing cancer before it starts.
At-Home Stool Test (FIT or Cologuard): A test done at home with a kit that detects hidden blood or abnormal DNA in the stool, helping to identify early signs of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous growth.
Colonoscopy
- Your doctor will instruct you how to prepare for the exam. This usually involves a special diet and bowel prep to clean out your colon.
- During the procedure, you will receive medication to help you relax. Most people do not remember the procedure afterwards.
- After a brief recovery period, you will go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
At-Home Stool Test (FIT or Cologuard)
You will receive a stool testing kit to complete at home. These tests are easy to complete at home and do not require any special preparation. You will use the tools in the kit to collect a stool sample according to the package instructions and mail it to a lab for testing.
- Colonoscopy: every 10 years
- Cologuard test: every 3 years
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): every year
- Men and women aged 45-75 years of age should be screened for colorectal cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive care because it can help find breast cancer early—often before symptoms appear. Regular mammograms are one of the best tools for early detection, which can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. Breast cancer found at an early stage has a 5-year survival rate of more than 99%.
A mammogram screening is a routine x-ray done on the breasts for all women to detect abnormal bumps or tissue.
If anything abnormal is found on the screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram will be scheduled by your doctor’s office for a more detailed mammogram x-ray to be done.
On the day of the mammogram, please do not wear deodorant, perfume, or lotion.
Your mammogram test will be done at an imaging (x-ray) center. The test is quick and usually takes about 20 minutes. During the test, a trained imaging specialist will take x-rays of each breast.
You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort for a few seconds, but the test is not painful. If you feel pain at any time, please let the imaging specialist know so they can make you more comfortable.
A screening mammogram is recommended every 2 years for women between 40 and 74 years old.
You can self-schedule your mammogram at a Sutter Imaging Clinic if you meet the following criteria*:
- Female over 50 years old
- Visited your primary care provider within the last year
- Last mammogram over 1 year ago
- No breast lump, nipple discharge or other breast changes in the last 3 months
Contact Sutter Imaging’s Customer Care at (916)727-2778 to get scheduled!
Look out for communication from Hill Physicians for information about Walk-In Clinic hours and locations.
* This does not apply to Hill Physicians members with Western Health Advantage as their health plan.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is an important way to help prevent cancer or find it early, when treatment is often most effective. Screening tests can detect changes in cervical cells before symptoms develop, giving you and your care team the opportunity to follow up sooner. 93% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented through regular screening and the HPV vaccine.
The test can be any of the following options:
- Pap smear (or Pap test)
- HPV test or HPV plus Pap smear test
A sample is collected from the cervix and is sent to a lab to look for abnormal cells.
To prepare for your screening, please avoid sexual intercourse, using tampons, douching, or using vaginal medications for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. If possible, try not to schedule the test while you are having your period.
This screening is quick and simple and will be performed in your doctor’s office by a healthcare professional. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie comfortably on an exam table. The healthcare professional will gently examine your cervix and collect a small sample for testing. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the test, but it should not be painful. If you experience pain or feel uncomfortable at any time, please let your healthcare professional know.
- A Pap smear is recommended every 3 years for women the age of 21 to 65 years old.
- An HPV test or HPV plus Pap smear test is recommended every 5 years for women the age of 30 to 65 years old.
Osteoporosis Management in Women
Osteoporosis management is an important part of preventive care as women age, especially because bone loss can happen gradually and may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. Bone density screening can help identify osteoporosis or low bone mass early, so you and your care team can discuss steps to protect bone health, reduce fracture risk, and support strength and mobility over time.
A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This is an x-ray to look at how strong your bones are, which is called bone density.
On the day of your DEXA scan, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps if possible. Do not wear jewelry or other metal accessories to your appointment.
This screening is quick, easy, and painless and is usually performed at an imaging (x-ray) center. You will be asked to lie still on a padded table for about 15 to 20 minutes while the scan is performed. A scanner will slowly move over your body to take pictures of your bones. The scanner does not touch you. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the exam. Most people find the test very comfortable.
All women 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis. How often you need a DEXA scan will vary based on your initial DEXA scan results.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Screening
Screening for STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are an important part of preventive care for sexually active individuals. If left untreated, these STIs can lead to serious health problems such as infertility and can also be transmitted to others. Many people with an STI do not have symptoms, so it is important to get tested so you and your partner(s) can get treated.
- Women under 25 years of age and sexually active: Screen every year.
- Women 25 years of age and older: Screen if at increased risk (new or multiple partners).
- Men should be screened based on specific risk factors or if they are symptomatic.
Screening is usually done with a urine sample or swab sample from the area being tested. Collecting a sample is quick and causes little to no discomfort. Your sample will be sent to a lab to check for chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.
While screening is typically completed at your doctor’s office, some home test kits are available to collect your sample at home and mail it into a lab for testing.
Women of Childbearing Age (Prenatal and Postpartum Care)
Caring for your baby is very important, but mom’s health is just as important! Taking care of yourself helps you take care of your baby. One of the best ways to support a healthy pregnancy and recovery after delivery is to attend regular prenatal and postpartum appointments. These visits help ensure you and your baby are getting the care you need every step of the way.
Call your doctor’s office to schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant. Your first appointment should be scheduled within the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
Early and regular prenatal care supports a healthy pregnancy for mom and baby.
During prenatal appointments, your doctor will monitor the baby’s development, provide important screenings, and monitor your health and wellbeing. Prenatal visits are also a time to receive recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine and Tdap vaccine, which help protect both you and your baby.
Your first postpartum checkup should be scheduled within 3 weeks of delivery. You may need a checkup sooner if you had high blood pressure during your pregnancy.
Postpartum care ensures you are healthy and recovering well both physically and mentally, and that you have the support you need after childbirth.
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. It is normal to experience many different feelings after having a baby. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or are struggling with your mental health, talk to your healthcare provider. Support and treatment are available, and you do not have to manage these feelings alone.
Annual Primary Care Visit
A primary care visit is an appointment with your primary care doctor that focuses on preventive care, health screenings, and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to discuss your overall health, review recommended screenings and vaccines, and make sure you’re up to date on preventive care based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
- A physical check-up and review of your medical history
- A review of recommended screenings, labs, and vaccines
- A discussion on any questions or concerns you may have
It is recommended to have a primary care visit every year.
Need Help?
If you need help coordinating a doctor’s appointment or screening, call a Hill Physicians Health Navigator at (925) 327-2901 from 9 am to 5 pm.
