What is a Medicare wellness visit?

Medicare recipients are entitled to an annual wellness checkup after having Medicare Part B for 12 months or more. The goal of these visits is to develop and maintain a personalized prevention plan that keeps you healthy and free of disease.

A Medicare wellness visit is not the same as an annual physical exam, which is more comprehensive. These wellness visits focus on prevention and do not include a full physical exam.

What is the difference between a Medicare wellness visit and a physical exam?

A physical exam is more extensive than a Medicare wellness visit. During a Medicare wellness visit, your doctor measures your height, weight, body-mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. This visit is also the perfect time for your physician to review your family and medical history, assess your future health risks, and determine whether you have any current health concerns.

These services are all completely covered under Medicare, so you won’t have to pay out of pocket during your visit. Any additional tests, including blood tests and lab visits, will be billed separately.

An annual physical exam includes all of the above services, plus a possible abdominal exam, head and neck exam, a lung exam, and a neurological exam. Your physical exam may also include blood tests and urine samples.

What happens during a Medicare wellness visit?

Your first Medicare wellness visit is an important time for you to get to know your doctor, and review your family and medical history together. You can also talk to your doctor about any health problems or concerns you’ve been experiencing.

This information alone can help your physician design a personalized prevention plan that lowers your risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.

While a Medicare wellness exam doesn’t include the same hands-on physical checkups that are included in an annual physical exam, your doctor will:

• Measure your height, weight, and BMI
• Give you a Health Risk Assessment questionnaire
• Review the Health Risk Assessment answers
• Update your list of prescriptions and health care providers
• Set up a preventive screening schedule
• Check for signs of cognitive impairment

In addition, Medicare covers several preventive screenings and treatments, including bone density scans, flu shots, and cancer screenings.

Where can I find a doctor who respects my time?

Want a doctor that gives you the time you deserve? Family Medical Home takes the time to hear you and address every concern you have.

To schedule your first Medicare wellness visit with an experienced family medicine physician, call Family Medical Home or book an appointment online.