When to Visit Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
How often you should visit your PCP depends on your health history and current health condition. If you are currently in treatment, follow your PCP’s advice or plan. If you are generally healthy, follow these guidelines:
Birth - 2 years old
Exams
- At 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 months
Immunizations
- Hepatitis B
- Hib (Meningitis)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
- DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus & Pertussis)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- IPV (Polio)
- PCV13 (Pneumonia)
- RV (Rotavirus)
- Hepatitis A
- Influenza/Flu (starting at 6 months)
Lab tests
- Follow your doctor's recommendation
3 - 6 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
Vaccines
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
- DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus & Pertussis)
- IPV (Polio)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
7 - 11 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
Vaccines
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
- Starting at age 11:
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- MenACWY (Meningococcal Conjugate)
12 - 17 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
Vaccines
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
- If it has not been given before: HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Starting at age 16: MenACWY (Meningococcal Conjugate)
19 - 39 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
Vaccines
- HPV (up to age 26 if not had during youth)
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
Lab tests
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea screening
- HIV and Hepatitis C (check once between ages 18 - 79)
Additional lab tests that may be recommended in this age group
- Pap smear (every three years until age 65)
- Cholesterol (every five years)
Discuss with your PCP if you are at higher risk for disease based on genetic or behavioral risk factors. Your PCP may want to do additional lab tests than what is recommended above.
40 - 49 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
- Mammogram (every 1-2 years until age 70)
- Colon Cancer screening (starting at age 45, a colonoscopy every 10 years), or a stool Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) every year
Vaccines
- Tetanus-diphtheria (Tdap) Booster (every ten years)
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
Lab tests
- HIV and Hepatitis C (check once between ages 18 - 79)
- Cholesterol (every five years until age 70)
Additional lab tests that may be recommended in this age group
- Pap smear (every three years until age 65)
- Mammogram (every 1 - 2 years until age 70)
Discuss with your PCP if you are at higher risk for disease based on genetic or behavioral risk factors. Your PCP may want to do additional lab tests than what is recommended above.
50 - 64 years old
Exams
- Annual exam
- Colorectal cancer screening (annually from age 50)
Vaccines
- Tetanus-diphtheria (Tdap) booster (every ten years)
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
- Shingles (a two-dose vaccine series)
Lab tests
- Hepatitis C (check once between ages 18 - 79)
- Cholesterol (every five years until age 70)
Additional lab tests that may be recommended in this age group
- Pap smear (every three years until age 65)
- Mammogram (every 1 - 2 years until age 70)
- Prostate test (until age 75)
Discuss with your PCP if you are at higher risk for disease based on genetic or behavioral risk factors. Your PCP may want to do additional lab tests than what is recommended above.
65 years old and over
Exams
- Annual exam
- Colorectal cancer screening (annually)
- Bone density test
Vaccines
- Tetanus-diphtheria (Tdap) booster (every ten years until age 70)
- Influenza/Flu (annually)
- Pneumococcal (age 65)
- Zoster vaccine (age 60)
Lab tests
- Cholesterol (every five years until age 70)
Additional lab tests that may be recommended in this age group
- Mammogram (every 1 - 2 years until age 70)
Discuss with your PCP if you are at higher risk for disease based on genetic or behavioral risk factors. Your PCP may want to do additional lab tests than what is recommended above.