millions of French people invited to carry out their “prevention assessment”

To benefit from this system, you must be part of one of the four targeted age groups: 18-25 years, 45-50 years, 60-65 years, or 70-75 years.

Lifestyle habits, addictions, screenings… Nearly 21 million French people are invited to make an appointment with a caregiver to carry out a “prevention assessment” free. This new system is being deployed by the health authorities, who are launching a public communication campaign on Monday, September 9.

To benefit from it, you must be part of one of the four targeted age groups: 18-25 years, 45-50 years, 60-65 years, or 70-75 years, recall in a joint press kit the government, Health Insurance, Mutualité sociale agricole and Santé publique France. These “key ages” correspond to opportune times to identify certain difficulties, such as mental health problems when entering working or student life, the occurrence of chronic illnesses (cancer, diabetes, etc.), or even the risk of dependency, loss of autonomy and isolation.

Announced in 2022 and initially expected for early 2024, this system tested in Hauts-de-France was finally generalized in June, but has yet to find its audience. It aims to “raising awareness, throughout life, of behaviors that promote health”in a context of an aging population and an explosion of chronic diseases which weigh on the finances of the health system.

In concrete terms, the insured person concerned makes an appointment with a doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist of their choice – who must be “voluntary” – for a “prevention assessment” from 30 to 45 minutes. He fills out a self-questionnaire adapted to his age in advance. During the appointment, the professional “carries out a risk hierarchy”suggests behavioral changes, possible analyses and, if necessary, directs the patient towards treatment. A “personalized prevention plan” is established and transmitted to the attending physician.