What You Need To Know
At Republic Services, we want you to feel your best — at work and at home. Preventive care makes that possible. It helps you stay ahead of health issues, catch problems early, and build healthy habits. The best part? Most preventive services are covered at no cost to you through your Republic Services medical plan when you use in-network care.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Preventive care is all about staying healthy, not just treating illness. It includes routine checkups, screenings, vaccines, and conversations with your doctor that help you understand your health before problems arise. Think of it as regular maintenance for your body — just like you would for your car or your home. Here are the benefits:
- It helps you stay ahead of health issues. Many conditions don’t show early symptoms. Preventive screenings help catch them early, when they’re easier to treat.
- It saves you money. When issues are found early, treatments are often simpler and less costly.
- It gives you a clear picture of your health. Annual visits and routine bloodwork help you understand where you stand with your health and what you may need to watch.
- It keeps you feeling your best. Preventive care services all support your long term energy and well being, helping you to feel your best each day.
What’s Included in Preventive Care?
Most preventive services are covered at 100% when you use in network providers through your Republic Services medical plan, including:
- Annual physicals
- Routine bloodwork
- Cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms and colonoscopies)
- Vaccines (e.g., flu)
- Lifestyle counseling (e.g., nutrition, tobacco cessation, weight support)
- Screening for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
Preventive vs. Diagnostic Care: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect from your benefits — and avoid unexpected costs.
Preventive Care
Preventive care is routine care designed to keep you healthy. You’re not feeling sick. You’re not there because something is wrong. You’re simply checking in on your health, getting recommended screenings, and staying up to date on vaccines. These services help catch potential issues early and are usually covered at no cost when you use an in network provider.
Note: Preventive care is not offered at an urgent care center or MinuteClinic. You MUST see a primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician or you’d like to choose a new one, see the instructions below under How To Get Started.
Diagnostic Care
Diagnostic care happens when you already have a symptom or your doctor needs to investigate something specific. Think of it as the follow up step after preventive care — when something needs a closer look. Unlike preventive care, diagnostic tests usually fall under your plan’s regular medical benefits, which may include copays, deductibles or coinsurance.
Examples
| Preventive Care | Diagnostic Care |
|---|---|
| Routine mammogram recommended for someone your age | Mammogram because you found a lump or your doctor noticed a change |
| Routine bloodwork during your annual physical | Extra blood tests ordered by your doctor because your routine lab tests showed something outside the normal range |
| Screening colonoscopy recommended for someone your age | Colonoscopy because you’re having symptoms such as bleeding or pain |
How To Engage With Your Doctor
A strong partnership with your primary care physician helps preventive care work even harder for you. Here are some tips as you prepare for your preventive visit.
Come Prepared
Come Prepared
- Bring a list of medications and supplements that you take regularly.
- Refresh yourself on your family health history.
- Bring questions or concerns, such as:
- What lifestyle changes would help me improve my overall health
- Considering my age, gender, health status and family history, what should I pay attention to in the future?
Talk Openly
Talk Openly
- Be honest about how you’re feeling — physically and mentally.
- Share your daily habits.
- Ask for clear explanations.
Ask About What You Need
Ask About What You Need
- Confirm which screenings or vaccines you’re due for.
- Ask how often you should return.
- Request simple, realistic wellness goals.
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
- Book your next visit before leaving. (Note: If a follow-up visit is needed, in most cases, it will be considered diagnostic.)
- Use your health provider’s portal to review results and reminders.
- Reach out if anything changes.
How To Get Started
If you’re enrolled in a UHC plan and don’t have a primary care physician, or you want a new one, log on to myuhc.com and search for in-network providers — then call to schedule your annual physical. If you’re enrolled in a local medical plan, contact your medical plan carrier directly for more details on preventive and virtual care options.
