End of Year Benefits
We understand the end of the year is a very hectic time. But while we look forward to the new, let’s also take stock of how we can improve today — and save!
At Odessa Regional Medical Center we encourage you to take some time for yourself. Doing so could not only benefit your health, it could even get you more out of your money!
5 Reasons to Take Time for Your Health Before December 31.
Reason 1: If you have an FSA account, don’t let this money go to waste! Schedule your procedures to be completed prior to year-end for this year’s FSA eligibility.
Reason 2: If you need some kind of procedure, or if you’ve been considering some kind of elective surgery, you can recover during your time off over the holidays.
Reason 3: If you’ve met your health insurance deductible, take advantage of that fact. Remember, January 1 you start back at zero!
Reason 4: Physician offices aren’t as busy during November and December so you’re more likely to get an appointment quickly.
Reason 5: Putting off seeing a doctor or having a procedure just isn’t smart. Your good health is a present you give yourself and your loved ones. And in a season of giving, time and health are the greatest gifts.
Have You Been Putting Something Off? Now’s the Time.
Many of the screenings and procedures below are exactly the kind of thing that gets pushed to “next year” — until next year arrives and the deductible resets. If any of these have been on your list, the weeks before December 31 are the smart time to act.
Screenings to Schedule Before Year-End
- Annual Physical — Have you had one in 2026? Make An Appointment With A Primary Care Provider.
- Screening Mammogram — An important part of preventive healthcare that may help identify changes before symptoms develop. Talk with your provider about breast cancer screening recommendations. Call 432-582-8500 to schedule.
- Screening Bone Density Exam — A quick, low-radiation scan that measures bone strength and helps catch osteoporosis before a fracture happens. Call 432-582-8050 to schedule.
- Screening CT for Lung Cancer — Recommended for current and former smokers who meet age and history guidelines; low-dose CT can catch lung cancer at its most treatable stage. Call 432-582-8050 to schedule.
- Screening Coronary Calcium Scan — A non-invasive scan that measures calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries, giving you and your provider a clearer picture of your cardiovascular risk. Call 432-582-8000 to schedule.
- Screening Colonoscopy — The gold-standard screening for colorectal cancer, recommended starting at age 45 for most patients. Talk with your provider about scheduling. Call 432-582-8700 to schedule
Surgeries & Procedures to Consider Before Year-End
If you’ve met your deductible or have FSA dollars that don’t roll over, the surgeries below are common candidates for patients who’ve been waiting for the “right time.”
- Mole Removal, Lumps and Bumps — Whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, addressing a bump early can prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
- Hysterectomy — For patients who’ve discussed this option with their OB/GYN, year-end recovery time over the holidays can make scheduling easier.
- Hernia Repair — Left untreated, hernias tend to get larger and more uncomfortable over time. Repair is a common, well-tolerated outpatient procedure, and robotic-assisted surgery is available for appropriate cases.
- Gallbladder Surgery — If you’ve been managing gallbladder pain or attacks, surgical removal (cholecystectomy) is a well-established treatment option, and your surgeon can discuss whether a robotic-assisted approach is right for your case.
- Joint Repair/Replacement (Hip & Knee) — For patients living with chronic joint pain, hip and knee replacement can restore mobility. The holiday downtime is a popular window for recovery.
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