Understanding the difference between preventive and diagnostic care

When it comes to healthcare or health insurance, you may have heard the terms preventive care and diagnostic care. While both types of care are important for health and wellness, they address different conditions. The good news: understanding the difference can help you access better care that fits your needs.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care refers to services that aim to prevent illnesses or health issues before they occur. The goal is to catch potential problems before symptoms appear and take proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions. Examples of preventive care include:

• Vaccines: Immunizations are one of the most common preventive measures to stop the spread of contagious diseases like the flu or measles.
• Routine checkups: Annual visits to your doctor help monitor overall health, check for risk factors, and address any concerns.
• Screenings: Tests like mammograms, colonoscopies, and cholesterol checks help detect issues before symptoms arise.
• Lifestyle counseling: Coaching on healthy eating, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management can help people avoid chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Preventive care focuses on maintaining good health to avoid intensive treatment. It encourages a proactive approach to health, which can often lead to healthier outcomes and a reduced need for urgent medical intervention. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans must cover a list of preventive services at no additional cost to the member. To view a list of covered preventive services for Mass General Brigham Health Plan members, visit MGBHP.org/benefits.

Mass General Brigham ACO members can learn about the benefits available as part of your plan on our Mass General Brigham ACO page.

What is diagnostic care?

Diagnostic care is focused on finding and diagnosing health issues when symptoms or concerns have started. It comes into play when an individual is experiencing discomfort, unusual symptoms, or specific health problems, and healthcare professionals need to determine what is causing them. Examples of diagnostic care include:

• Blood tests: These tests help doctors understand what might be causing symptoms, like fatigue or unusual pain.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are used to see broken bones, tumors, or other internal conditions.
• Biopsies: A sample of tissue is taken to determine whether there are signs of cancer or other diseases.
• Physical examinations (outside of annual check-ups): A doctor may examine a patient to determine the source of symptoms, like pain, swelling, or other issues.

Diagnostic care happens in response to symptoms and concerns. The focus is on determining a condition's cause, how severe it is, and how best to treat it. It is often more reactive than preventive care, though it is important for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Importance of preventive and diagnostic care

Preventive and diagnostic care play a significant role in one’s health. Below is a quick summary of the key differences between preventive and diagnostic care:

While preventive care helps keep you healthy and avoid complications, diagnostic care is vital for catching problems early when they do arise. Both forms of care are complementary and necessary for maintaining overall health and well-being.

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