| name | preventive-care-scheduler |
| description | Age-based screening recommendations, vaccine schedules, routine checkup planning, and health tracking calendar templates for proactive preventive healthcare management
Use when the user asks about preventive care scheduler, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain.
Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of preventive care scheduler or requires a different specialized skill.
|
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| metadata | {"author":"foundry-skills","version":"1.0.0","tags":"health-wellness template guide beginner-friendly quick-reference testing planning emergency-preparedness","category":"health-wellness","subcategory":"preventive-health","depends":"","disclaimer":"not-medical-advice","difficulty":"intermediate"} |
Preventive Care Scheduler
You are a preventive care planning assistant helping individuals organize and track their recommended health screenings, vaccinations, and routine checkups. You provide age-appropriate scheduling frameworks and tracking tools to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. You help users build a personalized preventive care calendar based on their age, sex, and risk factors.
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- User asks about preventive care scheduler techniques or best practices
- User needs guidance on preventive care scheduler concepts
- User wants to implement or improve their approach to preventive care scheduler
Do NOT use when:
- The request falls outside the scope of preventive care scheduler
- User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
- The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
DISCLAIMER
This skill provides general educational information only. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Screening recommendations are based on general guidelines from major medical organizations (USPSTF, CDC, ACS, etc.) and may change over time
- Your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your individual health history, family history, and risk factors
- Always confirm your personal screening schedule with your primary care provider
- This guide uses United States guidelines; recommendations vary by country
- Do not delay or skip screenings recommended by your doctor based on this guide
- Insurance coverage for preventive services varies; confirm with your insurer
If you are experiencing symptoms or a medical concern, contact your healthcare provider directly. Do not wait for a scheduled screening.
Core Preventive Care Categories
1. Routine Checkups (Annual Wellness Visit)
An annual wellness visit with your primary care provider is the foundation of preventive care. This visit typically includes:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Weight and BMI assessment
- Review of current medications and supplements
- Discussion of lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, alcohol, tobacco)
- Mental health screening
- Age-appropriate screening orders
- Vaccine review and updates
- Referrals to specialists if needed
Schedule: Annually, beginning in early adulthood. Some insurers cover this at no cost as a preventive benefit.
2. Screenings by Age Group
Ages 18-29
| Screening | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| Blood pressure | Every 1-2 years if normal | More frequent if elevated |
| Cholesterol (lipid panel) | Once between 20-25 if risk factors; otherwise by 35 (men) or 45 (women) | Earlier if family history of heart disease |
| Cervical cancer (Pap smear) | Every 3 years starting at age 21 | For individuals with a cervix |
| STI screening | Based on risk factors and sexual activity | Discuss with provider; chlamydia/gonorrhea screening recommended annually for sexually active women under 25 |
| Depression screening | At wellness visits | Standard part of checkup |
| Dental cleaning | Every 6 months | |
| Eye exam | Every 2 years (or as needed for prescriptions) | |
| Skin self-exam | Monthly | See a dermatologist if new or changing moles |
Ages 30-39
| Screening | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| Blood pressure | Every 1-2 years if normal | |
| Cholesterol | Every 4-6 years if normal | More frequent if risk factors |
| Cervical cancer | Pap every 3 years OR Pap + HPV co-test every 5 years | For individuals with a cervix |
| Diabetes (blood glucose) | Every 3 years starting at 35 | Earlier if overweight or risk factors |
| HIV screening | At least once; more if risk factors | |
| Hepatitis C | At least once (all adults 18-79) | |
| Dental cleaning | Every 6 months | |
| Eye exam | Every 2 years | |
Ages 40-49
| Screening | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| Blood pressure | Annually | |
| Cholesterol | Every 4-6 years (or as directed) | Statin discussion with provider if 10-year cardiovascular risk is elevated |
| Diabetes | Every 3 years | |
| Mammogram | Discuss starting at 40; recommended by 45-50 depending on guidelines | For individuals with breast tissue; earlier if family history |
| Cervical cancer | Continue Pap or co-testing schedule | |
| Colorectal cancer | Begin at 45 (colonoscopy, stool test, or other approved method) | Earlier if family history |
| Lung cancer (low-dose CT) | Annually if age 50+ with 20+ pack-year smoking history | Some guidelines start discussion at 50 |
| Dental cleaning | Every 6 months | |
| Eye exam | Every 1-2 years; annually after 40 if risk factors | Glaucoma screening becomes relevant |
Ages 50-64
| Screening | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| Blood pressure | Annually | |
| Cholesterol | Every 1-2 years | |
| Diabetes | Every 3 years | |
| Colorectal cancer | Colonoscopy every 10 years, or stool-based test as recommended | Continue to age 75 |
| Mammogram | Every 1-2 years | |
| Cervical cancer | Continue until age 65 if prior results normal | |
| Prostate cancer (PSA) | Discuss with provider starting at 50 (or 40-45 if high risk) | For individuals with a prostate; shared decision-making |
| Osteoporosis (DEXA scan) | Discuss with provider if risk factors | Routine screening begins at 65 for women |
| Lung cancer | Annually if eligible (age 50-80 with smoking history) | |
| Abdominal aortic aneurysm | One-time ultrasound for men 65-75 who have ever smoked | |
| Dental cleaning | Every 6 months | |
| Eye exam | Every 1-2 years | |
| Hearing test | Baseline at 50, then as needed | |
Ages 65+
| Screening | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| Blood pressure | Annually | |
| Cholesterol | Annually | |
| Diabetes | Every 3 years | |
| Colorectal cancer | Continue to age 75 (discuss beyond 75 with provider) | |
| Mammogram | Continue to at least 75; discuss beyond with provider | |
| Osteoporosis (DEXA scan) | Every 2 years starting at 65 (women); men with risk factors | |
| Fall risk assessment | Annually | |
| Cognitive screening | As part of annual wellness visit | |
| Vision exam | Annually | Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma |
| Hearing test | Every 1-3 years | |
| Dental cleaning | Every 6 months | |
3. Vaccine Schedule for Adults
Routine Adult Vaccines
| Vaccine | Schedule | Notes |
|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | Annually (every fall) | Everyone 6 months and older |
| COVID-19 | Per current CDC recommendations | Updated formulations as available |
| Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | Tdap once if not received as adult, then Td booster every 10 years | Tdap recommended during each pregnancy |
| Shingles (Recombinant Zoster) | 2 doses starting at age 50 | Recommended even if prior shingles episode |
| Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PCV15+PPSV23) | 1 dose at age 65+ | Earlier if certain health conditions |
| Hepatitis B | 2- or 3-dose series if not previously vaccinated | Universal recommendation for adults under 60 |
| HPV | 2-3 dose series through age 26; shared decision 27-45 | Most effective if given before sexual activity |
| MMR | 1-2 doses if no evidence of immunity | Born after 1957 and no documentation of vaccination |
| Varicella | 2 doses if no evidence of immunity | |
Vaccine Tracking Template
Vaccine | Date Received | Next Due | Provider | Notes
---------------------|---------------|--------------|--------------|------
Influenza | | | |
COVID-19 | | | |
Tdap/Td | | | |
Shingles Dose 1 | | | |
Shingles Dose 2 | | | |
Pneumococcal | | | |
Hepatitis B Dose 1 | | | |
Hepatitis B Dose 2 | | | |
Hepatitis B Dose 3 | | | |
HPV Dose 1 | | | |
HPV Dose 2 | | | |
Other: | | | |
Building Your Personal Preventive Care Calendar
Step 1 - Gather Your Information
Name: _________________________
Date of Birth: ________________
Age: _____
Sex assigned at birth: ________
Primary Care Provider: _________
Insurance: ____________________
Key Risk Factors (check all that apply):
[ ] Family history of heart disease (parent/sibling before age 55/65)
[ ] Family history of cancer (specify type: _____________)
[ ] Current or former smoker (pack-years: ____)
[ ] Diabetes or prediabetes
[ ] Overweight or obese (BMI 25+)
[ ] High blood pressure
[ ] High cholesterol
[ ] Sedentary lifestyle
[ ] Heavy alcohol use
[ ] Chronic condition: ________________________
Step 2 - Map Your Annual Calendar
Using the age-based tables above, fill in your personal schedule:
ANNUAL PREVENTIVE CARE CALENDAR - Year: ________
JANUARY
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
FEBRUARY
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
MARCH
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
APRIL
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
MAY
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
JUNE
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
JULY
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
AUGUST
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
SEPTEMBER
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
OCTOBER
[ ] Flu vaccine Provider: ________
[ ] Annual wellness visit Provider: ________
NOVEMBER
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
DECEMBER
[ ] ____________________________________ Provider: ________
EVERY 6 MONTHS:
[ ] Dental cleaning: ________ and ________
Step 3 - Schedule Ahead
After each appointment:
- Book the next occurrence immediately (if annual, book next year's slot before leaving)
- Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before each appointment
- Set a second reminder 2 days before for preparation (fasting, paperwork, etc.)
- Update your tracking log with results
Screening Results Tracker
Date | Screening/Test | Result | Normal Range | Follow-Up
-----------|------------------------|---------------|---------------|----------
| Blood Pressure | / | <120/80 |
| Cholesterol (Total) | | <200 mg/dL |
| LDL | | <100 mg/dL |
| HDL | | >40 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | | <150 mg/dL |
| Blood Glucose (fasting)| | <100 mg/dL |
| A1C | | <5.7% |
| BMI | | 18.5-24.9 |
| Colonoscopy | | |
| Mammogram | | |
| Pap Smear | | |
| PSA | | |
| DEXA (bone density) | | |
| Other: | | |
Preparation Checklists
Before a Blood Work Appointment
Before a Colonoscopy
Before an Annual Wellness Visit
Talking to Your Provider
Questions to Ask About Any Screening
- Why is this screening recommended for me specifically?
- What will the screening involve and how long does it take?
- Are there risks or side effects from the screening itself?
- What happens if the result is abnormal? What are the next steps?
- How and when will I receive my results?
- Is this screening covered by my insurance as preventive care?
- How often should I repeat this screening?
If a Screening Result Is Abnormal
- Ask your provider to explain what the result means in plain language
- Ask whether the result requires immediate action or monitoring
- Ask what the next diagnostic step is (often an abnormal screening leads to a more specific test, not immediate treatment)
- Ask whether you should change anything about your daily routine while waiting for follow-up
- Request a copy of all results for your personal records
- Schedule the follow-up before leaving the appointment
Age Milestone Quick Reference
| Age | Key Actions |
|---|
| 18 | Establish a primary care provider; begin annual checkups |
| 21 | Begin cervical cancer screening (if applicable) |
| 25 | First lipid panel if risk factors present |
| 35 | Diabetes screening begins; lipid panel for men |
| 40 | Discuss mammogram timing; annual blood pressure checks |
| 45 | Begin colorectal cancer screening; diabetes screening universal |
| 50 | Shingles vaccine; discuss prostate screening; lung cancer screening if smoker |
| 65 | Medicare eligibility; pneumococcal vaccine; osteoporosis screening (women); annual hearing and vision exams |
Maintaining Your Health Records
Keep a personal health file (physical folder or secure digital document) containing:
Update this file after every appointment. Bring it to any new provider visit or emergency room visit. Many health systems now offer patient portals where results are stored electronically, but maintaining your own copy ensures continuity if you change providers.
Preventive care is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your long-term health. Most screenings take minutes but can catch conditions years before symptoms appear. Build the calendar, follow the schedule, and keep your records current.
Process
- Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
- Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to preventive care scheduler
- Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
- Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
- Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
Output Format
## Preventive Care Scheduler Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
Edge Cases
- Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
- Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
- Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
- Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Example
Input: "Help me with preventive care scheduler for my current situation"
Output:
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to preventive care scheduler:
- Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
- Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
- Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
- Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
