What are preventive services?

Preventive services refer specifically to those healthcare offerings aimed at preventing diseases and improving overall health rather than focusing on diagnosing or treating existing conditions. These services encompass a variety of activities, such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education that help to identify risk factors and promote healthy lifestyle choices. By intervening before a disease manifests or progresses, these services can significantly reduce the incidence of illnesses, thereby promoting better health outcomes at both individual and community levels.

The focus on health promotion and disease prevention makes these services vital in public health strategies designed to minimize the burden of disease and healthcare costs over time. This approach aligns with the ongoing objective of healthcare systems to enhance the quality of life by keeping populations healthy, rather than only treating those who are already sick.