Overview
Your well-being matters, and understanding how you’re doing over time is an important part of your mental health journey. In fact, research shows that regularly doing your health checkup can significantly improve mood and energy over time. When you complete your health checkup, you’ll be able to see your results directly from your Well-Being Journey page in the Modern Health app. This article explains what the health checkup measures, how to find your scores, and how to interpret them.
What Does the Health Checkup Measure?
Your health checkup includes short, evidence-based surveys that measure different aspects of mental health and overall well-being. These tools are used by health professionals around the world to help people understand how they’re feeling and improve care over time.
Keep in mind, there’s no best or worst health checkup score, and it is not a diagnosis. It’s simply a snapshot of how you’re feeling. Your health checkup is a tool for you and your care team to help improve your well-being.
Below is a table that provides more information about each of the measures included in the health checkup. If you’re curious to learn more about each of these measures, you can click “Learn More” on the score tiles under your “Latest checkup results”.
| Measure | Purpose | Total Score Range | General Score Interpretation |
|
World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) |
The World Health Organization designed this five-question survey to assess your happiness over the last two weeks. |
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Just remember, your WHO-5 score is a guide. It doesn’t define who you are. Research suggests that a score of 28 or below indicates potential depressive symptoms. However, your health checkup score is not a diagnosis, so we recommend following up with your provider to discuss this further if you have questions. |
|
Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) |
A two-item screener that helps identify potential symptoms of major depressive disorder. It will ask you how often you’ve experienced symptoms like having little interest or pleasure in the last two weeks. |
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Research suggests that a score of 3 or more on the PHQ-2 indicates possible depressive symptoms and further evaluation is recommended either with your provider or using the full PHQ-9 (which you should receive when you complete your health checkup and have scored 3 or more on the PHQ-2). |
|
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) |
This nine-question survey helps identify potential symptoms of major depressive disorder and asks how often you’ve experienced possible symptoms like having low energy or difficulty concentrating in the past two weeks. |
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Remember that the PHQ-9 score is just a guide. Research suggests that individuals who score a 10-14 benefit from working with a coach. For those scoring a 15 or higher, consider meeting with a therapist or other mental health provider to further evaluate any depressive symptoms and work collaboratively on steps to improve your well-being. |
|
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) |
A two-item screener that helps identify potential symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It will ask you how often you’ve experienced anxiety or worry in the last two weeks. |
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Research suggests that a score of 3 or more on the GAD-2 indicates possible anxiety symptoms and further evaluation is recommended either with your provider or using the full GAD-7 (which you should receive when you complete your health checkup and have scored 3 or more on the GAD-2). |
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) |
This seven-question survey helps identify potential symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and asks about your experiences of nervousness, feeling on edge, or having difficulty relaxing in the past two weeks. |
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Remember that the GAD-7 score is just a guide. Research suggests that individuals who score a 10-14 benefit from working with a coach. For those scoring a 15 or higher, consider meeting with a therapist or other mental health provider to further evaluate any anxiety symptoms and work collaboratively on steps to improve your well-being. |
Note: These scores are meant to guide self-awareness and care conversations. They are not a diagnosis or replacement for professional evaluation.
Where Can I See My Scores?
You can view your assessment results in your Modern Health account:
- Open the Modern Health app or go to your member dashboard.
- Scroll to the bottom of your Home Page to the section titled “Your Well-Being”.
- Tap View Your Journey to see your most recent scores.
You’ll see:
- A visual display of your scores
- Plain-language explanations of what each score means
- A trend graph showing your scores over time
- A “Learn more” section that explains each measure
How Can I Complete a Health Checkup?
You can retake the health checkup any time by visiting the bottom of your Home Page under the section “Your Well-Being” and tap “Do a checkup”.
When Will I Be Asked to Complete a Health Checkup?
- You’ll be prompted to complete your first health checkup before you’re matched with a provider.
- After that, you’ll receive automated reminders (about every 2–3 weeks) to complete follow-up check-ins.
- You can also start one any time by visiting the bottom of your Home Page under the section “Your Well-Being” and tap “Do a checkup”
You’re welcome to complete as many checkups as you’d like throughout your Modern Health journey.
How to Interpret Your Scores
It’s normal to have questions about what your results mean. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
1. No single score defines you
A number can’t capture everything about how you’re feeling. Think of these scores as one snapshot of your current state of well-being.
2. Your experience matters most
Sometimes scores don’t fully match how you feel day to day. If something doesn’t feel accurate, that’s okay; your perspective is always valid.
3. There’s no “good” or “bad” score
Try to view your results without judgment. Higher or lower scores simply provide information that you and your provider can use to explore what’s working or what might need more attention.
4. Use your scores as a guide
Discuss your results with your care team. Together, you can identify patterns, progress, and areas for growth.
How Your Care Team Uses Your Scores
Your scores can help your provider understand how you’re doing and guide your care over time.
- Coaches can view and discuss your WHO-5 results. If your scores suggest a significant change or lower well-being, your coach may check in with you and discuss additional support options.
- Therapists and psychiatry providers can see your WHO-5, PHQ, and GAD results. They may review these with you during sessions to inform care decisions and track changes.
If your responses ever indicate increased risk (for example, thoughts of self-harm), your provider or care team will be alerted to follow up promptly.
Taking a Compassionate Approach
Looking at your health checkup scores can sometimes bring up different emotions, maybe some pleasant and some unpleasant feelings. But remember, these numbers are simply tools to help you understand yourself better and your well-being journey. No single score can ever define who you are. Try to approach them with curiosity rather than judgment.
If you ever feel unsure, upset, or confused about your results, you can always bring them up with your care team. Know that you aren’t alone in this process.