A new free service called “My prevention assessment” offers people in 4 key age groups the opportunity to meet with a health professional to take stock of their habits and risk factors.
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- My Prevention Assessment is a new personalized system allowing everyone to discuss lifestyle habits (diet, sleep, physical activity, mental health, sexual health, etc.) with a healthcare professional.
- It is intended for all people at key ages in life, i.e. between 18 and 25 years, 45 and 50 years, 60 and 65 years, 70 and 75 years.
- The assessment is 100% covered by Health Insurance, with no advance payment required.
Food, tobacco, risk factors, mental health, screenings… nearly 21 million French people are invited to make an appointment with a caregiver to take stock of their habits and their environment at 4 key periods in life: 18-25 years, 45-50 years, 60-65 years or 70-75 years.
The objective of this system – announced in 2022, expected in early 2024 and finally presented at the start of the school year: to enable people to understand and act on the behaviors that influence their health and, ultimately, to live longer in good health.
My Prevention assessment: how can I benefit from it?
First condition to benefit from this appointment covered 100% by Health Insurance (without advance payment): be in the age groups concerned, i.e. between 18 and 25 years, 45 and 50 years, 60 and 65 years, and 70 and 75 years. These periods, based on the recommendations of the High Council of Public Health, correspond to key moments for the detection and prevention of health problems such as addictions, cancers, chronic diseases or even for the elderly the risks of isolation and dependency. It is only possible to do one assessment during the defined age groups.
It is not necessary to have received an invitation from Health Insurance to have your prevention assessment. You just need to make an appointment with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or midwife of your choice. The site Sante.fr lists the healthcare professionals who agree to carry it out.
The Ministry of Health advises, moreover, “If you already know the healthcare professional, you can make an appointment in the usual way, specifying that it is a preventive assessment, because the assessment lasts longer than a standard consultation.” In fact, this appointment lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.
It is also recommended to complete a self-questionnaire on My Health Space in order to make an initial assessment of lifestyle habits. However, don’t panic if you are unable to complete it alone. It is possible to do so with the healthcare professional during the assessment.
How does a “Prevention Assessment” consultation take place?
The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your lifestyle and medical history with a health professional. One or two topics, depending on your risk factors and age group, are examined as a priority.
“Prevention assessments are an opportunity to discuss your needs and desires, for example in terms of diet, physical activity, sleep, etc. You can discuss the subjects that are most important to you, such as your mental health, your sexual health, questions related to menopause or loss of autonomy, cancer prevention and screening, etc.”adds the Ministry of Health.
It is also recommended to bring the Vitale card, vaccination information and any latest analysis results (blood, urine, etc.) and screening to improve the accuracy of the assessment.
At the end of the consultation, you will be given a personalized prevention plan. It offers advice and “concrete actions adapted to your pace” to stay healthy. In addition, if a need for care is identified and cannot be carried out during the appointment, the health professional will refer you to the appropriate caregiver.
