Did you know many of the most serious health issues—like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease—can often be prevented with just a few simple checkups a year?
Preventive care is one of the easiest and most important ways to stay ahead of illness and protect your long-term health. At Denova Collaborative Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality, whole-person care, including preventive services that help you feel your best today and tomorrow.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care refers to routine health services designed to keep you well, identify potential issues early, and reduce the risk of long-term conditions. These visits and screenings help manage your health over time and can often catch health concerns before they become serious or costly.
Examples of preventive care include:
- Annual wellness visits
- Vaccinations (like flu shots or COVID-19 vaccines)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
- Cancer screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies
When you stay current with preventive services, you’re taking control of your health in a proactive, informed way. Learn more about the primary care services at Denova and how we help our patients keep up with routine care.
Preventive vs. Diagnostic Care
It’s easy to confuse preventive care with diagnostic care, but the two serve different purposes—and affect your insurance coverage differently.
Preventive care happens when you’re not experiencing any symptoms, and your provider is helping you stay healthy or screen for future risks. For example, a cholesterol check during your annual physical exam is preventive. It is important to remember that these visits do not address new health issues, existing problem evaluation or medication changes.
Diagnostic care is when your provider is trying to diagnose a known symptom or concern. That same cholesterol test becomes diagnostic if it’s ordered because you’re experiencing chest pain.
This difference matters because most insurance plans cover preventive services at no cost to you—but may require copays or deductibles for diagnostic services. As a note, if you discuss or receive evaluation or treatment for a specific health problem (outside of general preventative care) a copay or coinsurance may apply.
What Services Are Typically Covered Under Preventive Care?
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans must cover certain preventive services for free when delivered by an in-network provider. But keep in mind that what counts as preventive can depend on your health status and why a service is ordered.
Screenings
Routine screenings are essential for early detection. They may include:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol
- Diabetes (A1C)
- Colorectal and cervical cancer
- STI screenings
Vaccinations
Vaccines protect against preventable diseases for children and adults:
- Flu shots
- COVID-19
- HPV
- Hepatitis B
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
Wellness Exams and Counseling
Regular visits and guidance help you stay on track:
- Annual physicals and well-woman exams
- Mental health screenings
- Conversations about nutrition, tobacco cessation, or alcohol use
Denova providers take the time to understand your whole health picture and recommend preventive services based on your unique needs. At Denova, we believe care should be compassionate, not complicated. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re here to listen, support, and help you thrive. Check out our behavioral health services if you’re interested in how mental health is part of preventive care.
Does My Insurance Cover Preventive Care?
Most health plans in the United States—including Medicaid—must cover a standard list of preventive services when provided by an in-network clinician. These services typically come with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
At Denova, we accept most insurance plans, including all six Arizona Medicaid payors. Our care team is here to help you understand what’s covered, what to expect, and how to make the most of your benefits. We can even help schedule your wellness check or review what screenings you’re due for.
Why Preventive Care Matters for Long-Term Health
Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your future. It:
- Reduces the risk of serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
- Improves long-term outcomes by catching problems early
- Supports mental and emotional health through regular check-ins and screenings
- Saves money by reducing the need for emergency or intensive treatments later
- Builds trust between you and your primary care provider
In fact, patients who build a long-term relationship with their provider tend to have better health overall. At Denova, we don’t just check boxes—we create a care plan that reflects your goals and supports your full well-being.
Want to dive deeper into how preventive care can protect your mental and physical health? Read our blog on the connection between primary care and mental health.
Preventive care is the foundation of staying well—not just for today, but for the years ahead. Whether you’re due for a checkup, curious about your coverage, or simply haven’t seen a doctor in a while, we’re here to make getting care easy.
Schedule your wellness visit today with a Denova provider near you. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, and we accept all six Arizona Medicaid payors.
