Your health checklist: doctors and screenings to prioritize

Start the year by prioritizing your health. Begin by scheduling the recommended checkups and preventive screenings for yourself and your family. These visits aren’t just routine; they’re powerful tools for catching potential issues early and building a foundation for long-term health.

Your care needs to change as life stages change, so staying proactive matters. From primary care visits to age-specific screenings, planning ahead now can help keep everyone healthy all year.

The power of your family health history

Before diving into specific appointments, it’s crucial to understand your family’s health history. This isn’t just a record of diseases that run in your family; it’s a blueprint that includes genetic factors, shared lifestyle behaviors like diet and exercise and even environmental exposures.¹

If there’s a family history of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis, you and your family members may be at a higher risk of developing those conditions. Sharing this information with your doctors is a key step in personalizing your preventive care plan.

Your care checklist: who to see and why

These healthcare professionals form the core of your family’s health strategy, ensuring comprehensive care from childhood through adulthood:

Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Your PCP is your main partner in health, serving as your health home base. At your routine visit, they’ll review your medical history, check vital signs and recommend screenings based on your age, gender and risk factors. Your PCP is also your go-to for general health concerns and referrals to specialists.

Pediatrician or family medicine physician

Some families choose to see a family medicine physician for their children’s care, which can be a great option depending on your family’s needs.
For children, regular visits with a pediatrician or family medicine physician are essential to track growth, development, and overall wellness.. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for well-child visits²:

• 3 to 5 days old
•  1 month
•  2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
•  9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 30 months
• Yearly, starting at age 3

Women’s Health

Regular visits are essential for women’s health. These appointments may include pelvic exams, Pap tests, and discussions about reproductive health. They help with early detection of conditions like cervical cancer and support overall wellness.

While routine care can start in the early teens, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends annual visits and regular Pap smears beginning at age 21.³

Dentist

Good dental health significantly impacts your overall health. Regular cleanings and exams may help prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues.⁴

Eye Doctor (Optometrist/Ophthalmologist):

Many people think their eyesight is just fine without realizing they may need glasses or contact lenses. Vision changes can happen gradually. Regular eye exams can help detect problems like glaucoma or cataracts early and help keep your eyesight sharp.⁵

Dermatologist

Dermatologists specialize in conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They can help evaluate concerns such as new or changing moles, persistent rashes, or other skin changes that don’t go away.

The American Academy of Dermatology encourages individuals to be aware of changes in their skin and to talk with a health care provider about whether a dermatology visit is appropriate — especially if there is a history of sun exposure or previous skin concerns.⁶

Specialist care

Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, can often be managed by your primary care provider. Regular check‑ins help monitor your health and manage medications.

In some cases, your primary care provider may recommend seeing a specialist for additional support or specific concerns. Specialists can help with areas such as joint pain (orthopedics), heart‑related concerns (cardiology), or hormone and metabolic conditions (endocrinology).
If your primary care provider refers you to a specialist, be sure to keep those follow‑up visits on your calendar.

• Allergy alert: For those with seasonal allergies, symptoms can start earlier than expected. Schedule a winter check-in with your doctor or allergist to review symptoms and refill medications before spring arrives. Planning ahead can help you avoid flare-ups and enjoy the season without discomfort.

Important health screenings

Health screenings are tests that check for potential health problems before symptoms appear. The screenings you need and when you need them depend on factors like your age, medical history, risk factors and lifestyle.

Some people may require screenings more frequently. The screening recommendations listed below apply to people at average risk for each condition. Working with your doctor can help you understand which tests are right for you and what steps to take if any results show a concern.

Breast cancer screening

Mammograms are an important way to check your breast health. They can help find changes early, often before symptoms appear.⁷

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group of independent medical experts, recommends that women have a mammogram every two years starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74 to support early detection and timely care.⁸

You may hear different guidance about when to begin screening or how often to have a mammogram. Some medical organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, offer slightly different recommendations. Your health care provider can help you choose a screening schedule that feels right for you based on your health history and personal risk factors.

Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening helps check for changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer if left untreated. Pap tests look for changes in cervical cells, and HPV tests check for a common virus that can cause these changes. Regular screening can help find concerns early, often before symptoms develop.⁹

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer often begins as small growths called polyps in the colon or rectum. Screening can help find and remove these growths before they turn into cancer.

Adults ages 45 to 75 are recommended to be screened for colorectal cancer. Adults ages 76 to 85 should talk with their health care provider about whether continuing screening is right for them. There are several screening options, including at‑home stool tests, colonoscopy, and other imaging tests.¹⁰

Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer screening can help find cancer early, before symptoms appear. Yearly screening with a low‑dose CT scan is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a history of heavy smoking and who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.¹¹

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer screening is a personal choice. Men ages 55 to 69 are encouraged to talk with their health care provider about whether screening makes sense for them. This conversation should cover the possible benefits and risks of screening, information about the PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) blood test, and what next steps might look like if results are abnormal.¹²

Your health care provider can help guide this decision based on your health history, values, and preferences.

Want to learn more? Read more on prostate cancer screening and symptoms.

Get the care you need

When you feel your best, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Schedule your annual checkup and keep your health on track.

Take the first step toward a healthier year – From trusted primary care to a wide range of specialties, we’re here to keep you and your family on track for long-term wellness.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Family health history and your child. Last updated: September 25, 2024. Accessed: December 10, 2025.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP schedule of well-child care visits.  Last updated: October 7, 2025. Accessed December 10, 2025.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Screening and Prevention. December 10, 2025.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental visits. Last updated: June 2023. Accessed: December 10, 2025.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why Eye Exams Are Important. Last updated May 15, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2025.
6. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). AAD Statement on USPSTF Recommendation on Skin Cancer Screening. Accessed January 6, 2026.
7. National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer facts & stats 2025.  Last updated September 29, 2025. Accessed December 10, 2025.
8. United States Preventive Services Taskforce. Breast Cancer: Screening. Last updated April 30, 2024.  Accessed January 6, 2026.
9. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Cervical Cancer Screening. Accessed January 6, 2026.
10. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Colorectal cancer: Screening. Last updated May 18,2021. Accessed December 10, 2025.
11. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Lung Cancer: Screening. Last updated March 09, 2021. Accessed January 6, 2026.
12. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Prostate Cancer: Screening.  Last updated May 08, 2018. Accessed January 6, 2026.