The Best Time to Schedule That Appointment Is Now!

You know the deal. Your doctor mentioned at your last visit that you needed to get that routine colonoscopy on the calendar. Or you scheduled your mammogram…and then cancelled it because your college roommate came in for a girls’ weekend and there just wasn’t time. And that annual physical is now a couple of years in the rearview mirror and you haven’t gotten around to getting another one in.

Guess what?

You’re not the only one. 90% of Americans put off getting routine care for one reason or another. And over a third of Americans skip those visits altogether because of the cost. But that means that the costs, both physical and financial, can be even higher when something preventable gets missed.

🔢 The Numbers

A 2026 HealthEquity survey found that 36% of people in the U.S. say that in the last six months they have delayed or avoided getting the medical care that they need because of finances. And don’t miss that this is only reported on the choices people have made regarding their medical visits in the last six months, meaning that there could be patterns of not getting care that has gone on far longer. 

While cost is clearly a big factor when it comes to putting off care, another recent study showed that people also say that fear and challenges with getting appointments scheduled are also top factors in not getting needed care. That’s where the number jumps to 90%, the percentage of people who say they’ve been putting off those needed visits. And here’s where the numbers get even more concerning. When those visits have been put off, 42% of people say that their conditions worsened.

The stakes are even higher when it comes to cancer screenings. For example, getting that routine mammogram can detect breast cancer before you even have any kind of symptom. And when breast cancer is caught that early, there is a five-year survival rate of 99%. But when breast cancer isn’t diagnosed until later in the disease cycle, those survival rates change dramatically. Routine colonoscopies help identify early symptoms of colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer in the United States. And colonoscopies are so effective because they not only can identify symptoms early, but they are also preventative care in that doctors can remove any pre-cancerous growths before those growths even have a chance to develop into cancer.

Those numbers, both the ones that are concerned with lack of preventative care and also the ones that show the power of preventative care, show the importance of getting on the right side of math when it comes to your health.

🗓️ Book the Ones That Matter Most

If you’re a parent, you likely already have your kids’ routine doctor appointments booked and taken care of for the upcoming school year. But what about getting yourself on the calendar as well?

Since cost is listed as a top issue for getting those appointments on the schedule, it’s important to know that you have options. Altrua HealthShare is a health sharing ministry, meaning that Members share in one another’s eligible medical needs. And on many of the membership options, wellness visits and required testing are built right in! This means that preventative care is part of your membership, meaning that cost doesn’t have to be a factor. In fact, several membership levels feature pooled visits so that your family can determine how you want to use those appointments and for whom, giving you greater flexibility. If you’re not already a Member of Altrua HealthShare or you have questions about your membership, contact a Member Services Representative, who will be happy to help you at 1-888-244-3839 or click here to learn more about Altrua HealthShare. 

So which appointments top the list?

Annual Physical: This appointment gives you the opportunity to continue to develop relationship and rapport with your primary medical provider, along with giving a continual baseline look at your health.

Colonoscopy: The current recommendation is that adults start having routine colonoscopies beginning at age 45, unless there is a family history of colon cancer. If that initial screening is clear, the screening is then repeated every 10 years. If, however, your doctor sees evidence of precancerous growth or polyps, the current recommendation is to have screenings every 5 years. 

Mammogram and breast exam: Routine screenings are recommended for all women over 40. Several health organizations are currently stating that women should be screened every year until the age of 55, and then can be screened every two years. However, this is also dependent on a woman’s family history and risk factors for breast cancer. Work with your primary physician to determine the right cadence for you based on your health and family history. Altrua HealthShare Members have mammograms and pap smears built into their memberships, with required testing every two years for female Members aged 40 and up.

PSA testing: For men age 50 and over, this simple blood test is the primary screening tool for prostate cancer. This test should be repeated every two years, unless you have family history with cancer or other symptoms. Altrua HealthShare male Members aged 50 and up are required to have this testing every two years as part of preventative care, and the blood test is built into the Altrua HealthShare membership as part of Altrua HealthShare’s commitment to wellness and preventative care.

Dental and vision exams: Your oral health is an important picture of your overall health. Gum disease, untreated cavities, and other issues, can actually create a pathway for bacteria to travel to your heart, which can impact your cardiac health, your lungs, and overall immunity. That’s why Altrua HealthShare offers SmileShare, the nation’s first dental health share. Members share in each other’s eligible dental costs. Regular vision screenings also give a window into your wellness, in addition to helping you keep your vision sharp. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can spot possible health issues by the condition of your eyes, retinas, and other vision systems. There are vision care discounts available through your Altrua HealthShare membership.

Telehealth: And don’t forget; if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about getting appointments on the calendar, an easy first step can be a telehealth visit. Altrua HealthShare builds in telemedicine right into memberships, easily accessible through the HealthWallet app. Telehealth has exploded in growth and accessibility post-pandemic and is a fantastic way to care for your health, whether you need to discuss symptoms, get help with allergies or a suspected UTI. All from the comfort of your home.

Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Honor God with your physical self.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Bottom line? Getting the care you need, including preventative care, doesn’t have to be a punch to the pocketbook. Explore your options and most importantly, get yourself on the list. Your care for yourself is a worthy investment for your family and your future health.

💙 If You’re a Current Altrua HealthShare Member: Is there an appointment sitting in the back of your mind right now? Book it this week. Your Membership is already in place. All you have to do is make the call. And if you know someone else who keeps putting their health off, forward this article to them. It might be exactly the nudge they need.

💛 If You’re Considering Becoming an Altrua HealthShare Member: One of the most powerful things about being part of Altrua HealthShare is knowing your financial picture before you ever walk through a health provider’s door. If cost has been what’s kept you from getting the care you need, we’d love to show you a different way. Learn more at altruahealthshare.org.

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