An annual wellness visit to your doctor is a collaboration to create a plan for your health — something that can help you proactively catch any issues at a manageable stage.
Under Medicare Part B, you have access to free health benefits for preventative care, including the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. After you’ve had Part B for more than 12 months, you’ll be able to schedule this visit once a year.
While you may have to pay coinsurance, the Part B deductible won’t apply to this standard, non-physical exam. However, you may incur additional charges if your doctor decides to perform additional tests not covered under preventative care.
What Does The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Include?
Medicare calls this annual visit a "personalized prevention plan ,"because you’ll spend it assessing your health and receiving medical advice specific to your personal situation.
Your visit may also include:
A health risk assessment, or a set of questions to better understand the care you need
A review of your medical history, as well as current doctors and prescriptions
Routine measurements, like height, weight and blood pressure
A cognitive assessment, to discover signs of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease
A screening checklist for preventative services, like vaccines or colonoscopies
Health advice, risk factors and treatment options that would be best for you
Scheduling Your First ‘Welcome to Medicare’ Visit
If it’s your first year on Medicare Part B, you’re entitled to an initial wellness visit, or the "Welcome to Medicare " preventive visit.
You’ll need to call your doctor to request this initial appointment, where you can receive services like:
A vision test
Flu and pneumococcal shots
Referrals for other care and other services included in the Annual Wellness Visit
If you have a prescription for opioids, your doctor will review and evaluate your current treatment.
Schedule a wellness visit today to learn about Medicare preventive services, including screenings, shots and vaccines. Be sure to arrive equipped with your medical records, along with your family health history and a list of medications you take.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The above is meant to be strictly educational and not intended to provide medical advice or solicit the sales of an insurance product or service of any kind.
YM01112204
