What is maintenance care?

• A. A replacement for treatment
• B. Anything that seeks to prevent disease and promote wellness
• C. Emergency care only
• D. Acute symptom management

Answer: (B)

Maintenance care means ongoing, preventive health care designed to keep people well and prevent problems from developing or returning. It includes regular follow-up visits, preventive services like screenings or routine cleanings, monitoring of chronic conditions, and guidance on lifestyle changes to maintain health and function. It isn’t a replacement for treatment of an active illness, nor is it limited to emergencies or merely addressing a current symptom. For example, after completing treatment, scheduled follow-ups to ensure stability and reinforce healthy habits are part of maintenance care. So, maintenance care is best described as anything that seeks to prevent disease and promote wellness.