1. Learn What Screenings You Might Need

Review the screening timeline that applies to you. Understanding when you should get important screenings helps you have informed conversations with your health care team.

Note: Choose the timeline based on the sex you were assigned at birth.

Resources to use:

Screening Timeline for Women

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Screening Timeline
for Men

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Screening Timeline for Pregnancy

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2. Complete the Health Care Accommodations Checklist

Identify and document your accommodation needs before your screenings/appointments. This can help you advocate for care that meets your needs.

Resource to use:

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Health Care Accommodation Checklist

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3. Learn More About Screening Accommodations

Select the screening(s) you need to learn more about and access the screening accommodation guide:

Resources to use:

Breast Cancer Accommodation Guide

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Cervical Cancer Accommodation Guide

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Colorectal Cancer Accommodation Guide

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Osteoporosis Accommodation Guide

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There are also some screenings called questionnaires. You may be asked about feeling worried or sad, drug or alcohol use, hurtful or traumatic experiences, or sexual activity. It is important to know that you can also ask questions.

Select the resource below to learn more about your rights during questionnaire screenings:

Your Rights During Questionnaire Screenings

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4. Schedule Your Yearly Check-up

At your yearly check-up, you can talk to your doctor about what screenings you need and make a plan for accessible care.

Click the link below to learn more:

Prepare

Taking Care of Your Health: Why Yearly Check-ups Matter

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When you schedule your appointment, you can use:

  • โœ… Your completed Health Care Accommodation Checklist
  • ๐Ÿ“– Your completed Screening Accommodations Guide(s)

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5. Attend Your Yearly Check-up

What to Bring:

  • โœ… Your completed Health Care Accommodation Checklist
  • ๐Ÿ’Š List of medications

What to Discuss:

  • Which screenings you need based on your age, sex, health, and risk factors.
  • Which options for screenings work best for you.
  • Your accommodation needs for future appointments.

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6. Get Your Preventive Screenings

Schedule and attend the screening appointments your health care professional recommends.

What to bring to each screening:

  • โœ… Your completed Health Care Accommodation Checklist.
  • ๐Ÿ“– Your completed Screening Accommodation Guide(s).
  • ๐Ÿฉบ A list of your current doctors or other health care professionals.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Any referral paperwork from your doctor.

What to expect:

  • Your health care professional may refer you to different places for different screenings.
  • Each place should work with you to accommodate your needs as best as possible.
  • You may need to schedule screenings at different times based on your needs and their availability.

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Remember:

  • Take your time to work through these resources. You do not have to complete everything at once.
  • Yearly check-ups are specifically designed for discussing preventive care and screenings.
  • You have the right to accessible health care under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Your doctor should help coordinate accessible screening appointments based on your needs.
  • If you have questions about your rights, contact your state disability rights organization. Find your stateโ€™s organization here.

Questions?

If you have questions about screenings, accommodations, or finding accessible screening locations, ask:

A Health Care Facility:

  • Your health care professional during your annual check-up.
  • Patient navigators or social workers at your health care facility.

In Your Community:

Local disability organizations can help you find free or low-cost screening programs, accessible clinics, and more.

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This website is supported by the U.S. CDC of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $499,809 with 100% funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.