It’s important to focus on health Published Aug. 31, 2009 By 52nd Medical Group SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- TRICARE covers most inpatient and outpatient care medically necessary and considered medically proven. Equally important to primary care is preventative health care that can help people live a healthier and, hopefully, longer life. TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible for a range of clinical preventative services including examinations; immunizations; and periodic screenings based on age, health history and family history. Coverage varies for Prime and Standard beneficiaries. One comprehensive diseases preventative clinical evaluation should be accomplished for ages 24 months and older during the following intervals - 2 to 4; 5 to 11; 12 to 17; 18 to 29; and 40 to 64. The following screening examinations may be performed during a periodic comprehensive health promotion examination or as part of other medical examinations. The intent of these screenings is to maximize preventative care. TRICARE provides preventative health screening through both TRICARE Prime and Standard. These screenings include breast cancer screenings with a physical exam and a mammogram every 12 months for women 39 years or older. Women who are younger than 39 years can get the screenings annually if there is a family history of breast cancer. Papanicolaou, or PAP, exams also are given annually to women starting at age 18. After three consecutive normal exams, it can be changed to once every three years. Men's screening includes an annual testicular exam starting at age 13, which are given until the age of 39 if there is a family history of cryptorchidism, orchiopexy or testicular atrophy. Prostate cancer examinations are offered annually for men starting at age 50 if there is no family history of prostate cancer. These screenings include a physical exam and Prostate-Specific Antigen. Colorectal cancer exams are available for both men and women starting at age 40. The exam includes a physical exam and occult blood tests every year. Sigmoidoscopy exams should be done every three to five years starting at age 50, and a colonoscopy should be given every 10 years starting at age 50. Everyone should get their cholesterol, or lipid panel, checked every five years beginning at age 18. Blood pressure checks should be done at least every two years. Active-duty families enrolled in TRICARE Prime who are 3 years or older are authorized one comprehensive eye exam by a specialist every year. Infants are screened by their primary-care provider at birth and again at six months. Children who are enrolled in TRICARE Standard between 3 and 6 years old are authorized two comprehensive exams by a specialist. Adults enrolled in TRICARE Standard are not covered for visual screenings. Immunizations are given on an age-appropriate basis. Some newly recommended vaccines include Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, for people age 60 to 65 and the Human Pappillomavirus for girls 11 to 26. TRICARE offers many other clinical preventative services. To see what you and your family are eligible for and how often, check with your family care provider. Editor's Note: September is Health Benefits Awareness Month.