It’s easy to put off a checkup, especially in a place like Telluride where life moves with the seasons. Winter is busy, summer fills quickly, and before you know it, another year has passed without seeing your provider. But prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect long term health. 

At Telluride Regional Medical Center, we’ve seen a shift. In years post-Covid less than ½ of our patients were completing their preventive care. Since 2024, that figure has grown by 20%. That’s meaningful progress. The National Committee for Quality Assurance sets a benchmark of 80% completion of annual preventive visits for a Patient Center Medical Home, so we still have some ground to cover. In 2026, we are hoping to see at least 70% of you, our community members for your annual.  

For all people of all ages, our priority with annual visits is to help you stay healthy and prevent future problems from developing. If an abnormality is found during your exam, we hope to engage you in lifestyle modifications and/or treatment recommendations that can resolve or reduce the issue from becoming more significant.   

For adults, an annual visit is a chance to check in on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers that often show no symptoms until they become more serious. Many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, can be better managed or even prevented when identified early. A preventive office visit and basic lab work can provide a clear picture of your health and help guide small changes that make a big difference.  

For kids, our focus is on developing healthy habits as they grow and ensuring they reach developmental milestones appropriately, as well as providing the kids (and their parents!) anticipatory guidance and resources to help facilitate healthy physical, emotional, and social development. Providers also will talk with you and your child directly about any concerns you or your child may have about simply growing up! Please note that we do like to take the opportunity to speak to teenagers one-on-one to help build trust and develop the life skill of communicating honestly with your medical provider. 

We understand that cost can be a barrier. That is why each May, during Spring Health Month, we expand access to preventive care for those who are uninsured or underinsured. This program has become a steady part of how we support our community, especially those working in restaurants, hospitality, outdoor industries, and other seasonal roles that make our town run. 

Our Spring Health Month special includes an annual wellness exam and corresponding lab work for $185 or less for adults and $50 for children. TMC offers extra appointment times to better accommodate our community when folks have more time to prioritize their health. 

Preventive care is about staying ahead, avoiding larger medical costs down the road, and building a relationship with a provider who understands your health over time. 

Call us at (970) 728-3848 to schedule your Spring Health Month appointment or request an appointment online through the link on our website.