Does blue cross blue shield insurance cover std testing

Men and women are different in many ways. But when it comes to health, everyone can benefit from prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if everyone in the U.S. received the recommended clinical preventive care, more than 100,000 lives could be saved each year. 

Preventive screenings

Screenings can detect illness at an early stage, when treatment is likely to work best. Some examples are:

  • Tests for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
  • STD screenings for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Cancer screenings including mammograms and colonoscopies

Ask your doctor which screenings are right for you. 

Healthy weight

We’ve all heard of, and may have even tried, fad diets. But these can limit your nutritional intake. The key to maintaining a healthy weight isn’t short-term dietary changes. It’s about a lifestyle that includes physical activity and healthy eating.

Physical activity

Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for health problems such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Move more and sit less. Some physical activity is better than none! 

Clean eating

According to the Mayo Clinic, clean eating is choosing whole, natural foods over processed and refined ones. It involves some key principles:

  • Eat for nourishment. Eat regular, balanced meals and prepare your food in healthy ways.
  • Eat more plant-based foods. Eat more plant-based proteins and high-protein whole grains.
  • Clean up your act. Get plenty of physical activity and sleep and manage your stress in healthy ways.

BMI

Body mass index, or BMI, is a way to determine whether you’re at a healthy weight for your height. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. 

A BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

  • If your BMI is below 18.5, you are probably underweight.
  • If your BMI is 25 or over, you are probably overweight.
  • If your BMI is over 30, you are classified as obese. 

BMI is not a magic formula. It does not diagnose body fat or health. Your doctor will look at other factors as well.

No matter who you are, a few simple lifestyle changes can improve your health. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic are independent organizations that offer health information that you may find helpful. 
 

Does blue cross blue shield insurance cover std testing

Common STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are some of the most widespread infections in the United States. STIs affect both men and women, and almost half of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure to an STI can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STIs can be passed by nonsexual contact, such as by sharing needles, during the delivery of a baby or during breastfeeding.

In addition, some STIs have also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many people may not have symptoms of an STI, but are still able to spread an infection. STI testing can help identify an infection early on so that treatment can begin, if necessary. It is important to practice safe sex with all partners, especially if you or they have high-risk sexual behaviors. 

How to Reduce Your Risk of Getting a STI:

The only way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances:

  • Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STIs
  • Limiting the number of sexual partners
  • Using latex condoms correctly and every time you have sex
  • Getting tested for HIV
  • Not sharing needles
  • Getting recommended vaccinations such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HPV

Where to go for STI Screening and Treatment:

If you have symptoms of a STI or have been exposed to someone who has a STI, contact your health care provider to get tested.  Many local and county health departments also have clinics where you can get tested and treated for STIs. Some clinics are free, others you may have to pay to get STI testing and treatment. The STD Clinics in New York State page contains links to contact information for STD clinics organized by county. You can also call the National STD hotline (1-800-232-4636) to find a clinic near you.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system and can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. 

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is common in the United States.  It is caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex type 1 (virus usually responsible for cold sores) and herpes simplex type 2 (typically affects genital area).  However, both types can cause either oral or genital infections. About one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years in the United States have genital herpes. 

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 years.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease.  

HPV (Human papillomavirus) or Genital Warts

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

Hepatitis A, B & C

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver.  Symptoms and treatments differ depending on the type hepatitis virus a person is infected with.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), and there are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a very common STI that is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. 

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Does BCBS NC cover STD testing?

Blue Cross NC allows reimbursement of sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests unless provider, state, federal, or CMS contracts and/or requirements indicate otherwise. We consider certain STI testing CPT® codes to be part of a laboratory panel grouping.

What is considered preventive care Blue Cross Blue Shield Il?

Services such as education and counseling, screening tests and immunizations are primary preventive services. These services can help avoid serious health problems, and are designed to improve physician/practitioner awareness of (and compliance with) effective clinical preventive care.

Which of the service is not a part of preventive care?

Alternative therapies: Services such as chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and other alternative health services are not considered preventive care.

What is considered preventive care?

Preventive care (sometimes called “preventative care”) is routine health care that includes screenings, services and counseling to help prevent illness, disease or other health problems. It's covered by your plan because it can help you stay healthy and lets you know if you may develop a health problem.