June 16, 2016

Preventive care, annual physicals play important role in overall health, wellness

The Center for Healthy Living on Purdue's West Lafayette campus offers primary care and preventive care services to benefits-eligible employees covered on a Purdue health plan. Covered dependents also are welcome to use the center for their primary care needs. Yearly physicals are among the many important services provided.

Yearly physical examinations at the center include well-woman, well-man and well-child checks.

According to Carolyn Cooper, medical director at the Center for Healthy Living, it is recommended that everyone get a yearly physical.

"When individuals take the time to have their yearly examinations and other preventive services, it opens the door to early detection should a major health issue be present," Cooper says. "Preventive care in general also helps identify patients who are at high risk for a disease and allows time to implement specific preventive steps to help ensure their best health possible."

For a firsthand look at how yearly checkups can play a significant role in an employee's health, Lynn Cornell's story speaks volumes about the importance of scheduling those appointments.

The center also offers $25 sports physicals for dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan.

All preventive care at the center is covered at 100 percent for anyone 8 weeks and older who is covered on a Purdue medical plan. For more information on preventive care, Anthem provides a list that outlines preventive care services. Similarly, if an employee covered on a Purdue medical plan has an outside primary care provider, preventive care is covered at 100 percent there as well.

According to Eva Nodine, benefits director in Human Resources, the goal is for all employees to get their annual physicals, either at the center or at their provider's office.

"Healthy employees tend to be happier employees," Nodine says. "We want our employees to seek out preventive care and get their annual physicals. The on-site center provides convenience and great services but we also understand that some employees have longstanding relationships with their outside providers. Many local in-network physicians are available also to support the health of our employees. Our goal is making sure employees are utilizing preventive care services wherever it makes the most sense for them."

The bottom line is that getting and staying healthy is the best way to get in front of diseases that could become chronic.

The center offers many wellness workshops  to complement primary care services -- regardless of where that care is provided. The center works collaboratively with outside providers to ensure the best care possible for their patients.

"Annual physicals and preventive screenings offer the best way for providers and patients alike to gain knowledge and get in front of any health concerns," Cooper says. 

The center is open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical consultation after hours or on weekends, contact the Anthem nurse line at 888-279-5449 for assistance. 


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