Met my out of pocket insurance max, so what routine things should I get done this year?

I pay 15% of the allowed amount for all medical bills, so my knee surgery ($68K for hospital, surgeon, and anesthesiologist... Not including home PT for 6 weeks, surgeon follow up X-rays, etc. or any of the pre-surgery testing and X-rays) put me over my $3K out of pocket max for the year (does not include prescriptions, unfortunately).

My job is only good for another 9 months (assuming they don't cut our budget even more, which would end it sooner), so I need to take advantage of having met my max.  I already planned to have a mammogram and repeat bone scan (had both two years ago) this year, plus my yearly blood work of course, and I don't need a Pap test since I had a hysterectomy years ago, but I am wondering if there are other things I should have done while it won't cost me anything.  I turned 50 last year and have been told by two different doctors that at 50 you should have a colonoscopy, but...... Um.... Well, maybe... But probably not.

Thoughts?

Lora

Colonoscopy is a breeze-they put you to sleep. You really need this test now you are 50.

I probably should... and it helps to know that they put you out... It kinda freaks me out, though.

Lora

Have you gone to a dermatologist lately to be checked for skin cancer? My PCP likes me to get this done yearly, but I usually do it every other year. 

What do they do, just check all your freckles...?

Lora

She uses some sort of fluorescent light and describes what she sees to her assistant who writes it down. She talks about sizes of freckles and moles, and then compares these to my next visit. I was a sun worshipper in my youth, but I think it's important to keep tabs on everything. My sister-in-law, who was rarely in the sun got skin cancer a few years ago so I am careful. So far so good with me.

I have fair skin and used to get at least one really bad sunburn every summer when I was a pre-teen and teen (trying to get that tan skin and sun-streaked hair that was so popular in the 70's!), so that probably is a really good idea.

Lora

You should get a colonoscopy.  

Great job keeping the weight off...Can't wait until i am there.

michelle

I had my colonoscopy at 47, and it was easy peasy.   Worst part is the prep, but I thought even that was easier for me post RNY than it would have been pre!

Get it done - if it's all ok (mine was) you won't have to get another done for 10 years!

Good to know it isn't something they will want to do every year or two!

Lora