Clinical Preventive Services

A core set of recommended preventive services are very effective in preventing disease or detecting disease early, when treatment is more effective. Among these services are screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, and vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease.

Despite the effectiveness of these potentially life-saving services, only 25% of adults aged 50 to 64 years in the United States, and fewer than 40% of adults age 65 and older are using these services. This is true despite the fact that these services are paid for by nearly all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Promoting the broader use of preventive services by adults aged 50 and older is a key public health strategy.

Promoting Preventive Services for Adults 50-64: Community and Clinical Partnerships

identifies a set of recommended preventive services, outlines successful strategies to promote and facilitate their delivery in community settings, and provides national, regional, state, and selected community-level data to monitor progress in expanding these services among adults aged 50-64.