When to get lab work done depends on a few circumstances and the kinds of labs being taken. For instance, seniors who don’t experience effects of high blood pressure should get screened at least once every two years, while patients who do feel the effects of it might want to get screened more often — yearly or even bi-annually. The same rule applies for checking your cholesterol levels. A lipid panel is a necessary service for those with increased levels of bad cholesterol, but for those who are relatively healthy, every five years is the typical amount of time between labs. And when it comes to testing for diabetes, every three years is a good rule of thumb for those who fall within a healthy blood glucose level, while those with elevated levels of glucose in their blood should have it checked every 3–6 months. Every patient is different, and you and your Medicare primary care physician will determine the best course of action for your individual needs.