Importance of Preventative Healthcare



Prioritising preventative care is essential for the early detection of many illnesses, keeping your healthcare costs down while living your best life. Argus is here to help you with a range of benefits, services and tools designed to support your preventative care journey.


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Early Detection Is Key in Healthcare

Advances in modern healthcare offer many tools and screenings to proactively detect health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic illnesses.

In the past few years, there has been a notable correlation between the rise in cancer screenings and the decline in cancer mortality rates. For example, in the UK, a rise in colon cancer screenings has contributed to an 11% reduction in mortality rates over the past decade. And an increase in cervical and breast cancer screenings has resulted in an 18% decline in deaths for both conditions in the last decade.

In Bermuda, the rate of type 2 diabetes is on the rise – estimated at an increase greater than 13%. However, early detection can play an important role in helping people manage their condition and improve long-term outcomes.
 

Get the Most Value Out of Your Health Plan

Argus provides coverage for preventative programmes and services that help to reduce health risks like obesity and smoking, and improve mental health, having a meaningful impact on your overall quality of life. By participating in recommended screenings, adopting healthier habits and seeking support, you’re taking positive steps to unlock your full potential and thrive.
 

Annual Health Check-Ups*

Don’t wait until you’re sick to see your doctor. Routine health checks are essential for healthcare providers to assess your overall wellbeing, screen for potential issues and proactively detect any early signs of disease.

Argus members have access to the following preventative benefits:

  • Annual health exam: Voluntary health examination (including gynaecological exam) and associated diagnostic testing conducted by general practitioners or specialists
  • Annual eye exam: Routine diagnostic testing by licenced ophthalmologists or optometrists
  • Annual foot exam: Diabetic foot exam by a registered chiropodist or podiatrist
  • Dental exam: Complete diagnostic oral exam and preventative services by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist under the supervision of a dentist
     

Preventative Health Programmes & Services*

Beyond regular check-ups, we provide a range of health risk reduction programmes and services that include:

  • Allergy, breathing and hearing counselling: Individual visits for the treatment of asthma, COPD, allergies and hearing disorders
  • CORE Programme: An individualised chronic disease management programme
  • Diabetes Rewind Programme: Led by an approved diabetes specialist in a supervised 12-month programme
  • Foot exams: Follow-up preventative foot exams
  • Medical nutritional therapy: Individual and group sessions
  • Medical weight loss management programme: An approved physician-supervised medical weight management programme
  • Physical medicine: Individual and group physio and occupational therapy sessions
  • Smoking cessation programme: An approved 4-week group therapy programme to tackle the behavioural and emotional aspects of smoking

We offer the following mental wellbeing programmes and services:

  • Student mental health support: 24/7 remote counselling with TELUS Health Student Support is now available via phone or app
  • Clinical psychologist/group therapy: Individual and group sessions
  • Complimentary alternative therapies: Individual massage therapy and acupuncture sessions
  • Counselling: Individual and group sessions
     

Health & Wellness Resources*

In addition, the Thrive. Programme offers a variety of free health and wellness resources to support our members. These include:

  • Thrive. Case Management: A voluntary, one-on-one care coordination service to support members with taking on an active role in managing their chronic health conditions
  • Get Up & Thrive: Mobile fitness challenges, powered by TicTrac, where members can earn up to $260 per year for hitting active minutes targets
     

The Bottom Line

Proactively prioritising preventative care is one of the best investments you can make in your health and wellbeing. We encourage you to check out the range of resources available through your health plan to support you on your health journey.
 

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about preventative care within your health benefits, give us a call Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (441) 298-0888, or contact us online.
 

*Disclaimer: The services above are an overview of high-value services available in some Argus Health plans. It is not representative of the complete schedule of benefits or non-standard health plans. To determine which services and level of coverage are included in your health plan, please review your complete Schedule of Benefits.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.