913-29-SPIRA (77472)
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When it comes to men’s health, Spira Care Physician Assistant Jason Kearns sees a common pattern—many men wait until something feels wrong before seeking care.
“Preventive care is about staying ahead of issues, not reacting to them,” Kearns said. “Simple things like blood work or blood pressure checks can help catch concerns early, when they’re easier to manage.”
According to the CDC, men are 33% less likely to visit the doctor than women—and often delay care for years.
“A lot of times, men will seek medical care several years after dealing with a problem,” Kearns said. “Catching health issues early makes them easier to treat.”
Understanding the barriers
Kearns says many of the barriers men face are common—and understandable:
Why preventive care matters
Men die about five years sooner than women, according to the CDC, and routine screenings can help change that.
“High blood pressure can be a silent issue,” Kearns said. “We’re also seeing younger adults develop heart disease. Early screenings—like cholesterol and blood pressure checks—can help reduce those risks.”
Many screenings can be completed during a simple visit with basic tests—like blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol checks. Your Spira Care provider can also walk through recommended screenings for cancers such as prostate, lung and colorectal, based on your age, personal and family history, and overall risk factors—along with when those screenings should start and how often they are needed.
A different approach to care
Kearns focuses on making care more comfortable and collaborative.
“I take a shared decision-making approach,” he said. “Instead of telling patients what to do, we talk through options together. That helps build trust and makes it easier to take that first step.”
Kearns says that same approach applies to behavioral health support and connecting members to on-site behavioral health consultants – meeting people where they are and helping them feel comfortable talking through what they’re experiencing while offering practical ways to manage things like stress or anxiety.
Making it easier with Spira Care
With Spira Care, getting care is designed to be simple and convenient:
A real example
One patient in his mid-40s hadn’t seen a doctor in a while. During a visit, Kearns ordered a PSA test that showed elevated levels. Follow-up care with a urologist led to early treatment for prostate cancer, and today, the patient is cancer-free.
“That’s why getting in early matters,” Kearns said.
Take the first step
Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) plan gives you access to nine Spira Care Centers across the Kansas City metro area and scheduling an appointment is simple, not overcomplicated or time-consuming. Whether you have a specific concern or just want to check in on your health, your care team is here to help you get started.
Schedule an appointment today with Kearns or another Spira Care provider. Call 913-29-SPIRA (77472) to find a time that works for you.
Most eligible members pay $0 for services, while members with a Health Savings Account (HSA) pay a predictable $60 charge per visit until their deductible is met.2 Preventive care is always covered at no cost.2
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
Source: CDC
Jason Kearns, Physician Assistant, Spira Care Lee’s Summit
Jason Kearns is a physician assistant at Spira Care Lee’s Summit. Jason has worked as a physician assistant for more than 14 years and has worked in a wide range of healthcare settings including orthopedic surgery, bone health and osteoporosis, urgent care and emergency department care, and in rural healthcare settings where he handled everything from primary care to in-patient. Jason is particularly interested in asthma, sports medicine, orthopedics, and building strong personal connections with his patients.
1 Appointment availability varies based on demand and capacity at each Care Center location on any given day.
2 For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, members can contact their insurance producer or write Blue KC.
