Prevention is the key to good health

Prevention is an action that allows you to avoid many diseases or detect them at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. It is a simple way to live a long life in good shape and feel better every day. We talk about the new NFZ program "My Health" with Iwona Karasowska-Stepaniak, deputy director of medical affairs of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship Branch of the NFZ.

What exactly is prevention?

– Primary prevention includes everything we do ourselves to prevent the disease from occurring. This includes: healthy eating – a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular physical activity adjusted to individual capabilities, avoiding harmful addictions such as smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes or excessive alcohol consumption, as well as rest and taking care of mental balance. Secondary prevention, in turn, is early detection of diseases through regular tests, which allow for full recovery. These activities are financed by the National Health Fund.

Meaning?

– As part of secondary prevention, a new program called “My Health” was launched on May 1. It is implemented in every primary care clinic. Its key element is the personalization of medical care. Instead of one standard package of tests, patients will receive referrals tailored to their age, gender, and risk factors identified during the health interview.

Will it cover all patients?

– The “Moje Zdrowie” program is based on a comprehensive health interview and an individual approach to the patient. It will be available to insured persons from the age of 20. Patients aged 20-49 will have preventive balance tests performed once every 5 years, in the case of patients over 49, they will be performed once every 3 years. For people 60+, an additional cognitive function test will be available for the diagnosis of dementia. People who used the “40+” program will be able to use the new program after 12 months.

What will this adult health assessment look like?

– It will include an adult health assessment survey, which will be completed by the patient via the IKP or directly at the primary healthcare facility, diagnostic tests, a visit summarizing the assessment with the preparation of an Individual Health Plan and pro-health interventions for patients from selected risk groups – educational advice, anti-smoking advice, information on recommended vaccinations. In primary healthcare clinics, after completing the survey and based on the answers, the patient will receive a referral for a set of diagnostic tests, which will be broader than in the previous “Prophylaxis 40+” program. After the tests, the patient will meet with the medical staff and discuss the results. They will learn what risk factors for the development of diseases have been identified and will receive appropriate recommendations. The scope of the summary visit will depend on the test results and the patient's age. All test results will be reported to the IKP and – with the patient's consent – ​​other doctors will have access to them, including doctors in specialist clinics.

What tests can be performed under the program?

– Blood count, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride level), blood glucose level, blood creatinine level (with estimated eGFR value), TSH hormone level. Depending on the patient's age, as well as the results of the completed questionnaire, you may receive a referral for additional tests performed as part of the program: alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), total PSA test (test for men), anti-HCV, lipoprotein (a). During the summary visit, additional tests will be performed: blood pressure and heart rate measurement, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, hip circumference, waist circumference, BMI and WHR indicators) and assessment of cognitive functions as part of the mini-COG scale (in people over 60 years of age). In the implementation of individual services, not only doctors but also nurses working in primary health care facilities participate. They will be able to collect material for diagnostic tests, perform anthropometric measurements, and order laboratory tests.

– The National Health Fund plans to spend over PLN 300 million this year to finance the “Moje Zdrowie” project – says Iwona Karasowska-Stepaniak, deputy director for medical affairs at the Podkarpackie Provincial Branch of the National Health Fund.