By Mark Epstein, MD, MBA, CEO, True Health New Mexico

At True Health New Mexico, we know that when diseases are identified and treated early, people maintain the highest state of health possible and avoid suffering and costly medical bills. Our role is to do everything possible to ensure that those in our charge lead healthy, productive lives. That is why our health plan pays 100% for preventive visits and screening tests, including those that screen for heart disease among those at risk.

As a physician, among the most troubling statistics I see are those involving heart disease. Heart disease costs approximately $555 billion per year according to the American Heart Association. It is the number one killer in the US, with more people dying from heart disease than all the cancers combined. Every year there are approximately 600,000 coronary artery disease deaths, and the prevalence of heart disease has been increasing every year since 2015. We see these concerning statistics despite the billions of dollars being spent on treatment, education and prevention.

Even worse is that for too many people, their first experiences of heart disease are fatal heart attacks. That is why heart disease may often be called the silent killer. For so many people, until that day, they can be totally asymptomatic.

However, there is hope in the form of a routine screening exam for coronary artery disease that few people know about– a coronary artery calcium scan. It takes about 10 minutes. The only prep is simply avoiding coffee or other stimulants before the scan. The cost, on average, is approximately $150 and is available at radiology centers throughout New Mexico, as well as the Heart Hospital of New Mexico.

According to the American Journal of Medicine, extensive studies have shown the coronary artery calcium scan for the appropriately selected individuals at risk is an excellent predictor of future cardiovascular disease events. If a test comes back positive, people can begin preventive treatment. Diagnosed early, treatment can be less involved and definitely lifesaving.

As a physician and the CEO of True Health New Mexico, I advocate strongly for appropriately selected patients to have access to this simple and relatively inexpensive test. Our team has been lobbying to have this simple test covered by all major health plans as preventive care – much like the way screening colonoscopies are treated. And, while no tests are perfect, these screening tests often identify early stages of a potentially lethal disease process, enabling early intervention, saving lives and reducing suffering.

Take the time to reach out to your primary care provider and your health plan to get yourself tested. Ten minutes can literally save your life.