Have you had Medicare Part B coverage for over a year? You can talk to your doctor about scheduling a yearly “Wellness” visit. This visit is NOT a physical exam. IT’s designed for you and your provider to create or amend your personalized plan for preventing future health issues.
Costs of A “Wellness” Visit
If the health care provider you see accepts assignment, you will have no out-of-pocket costs. You don’t even have to worry about the Part B deductible. If your provider performs extra tests or services during this visit, you may have a coinsurance payment, or the Part B deductible may apply.
What Happens At A “Wellness” Visit
A “Health Risk Assessment” questionnaire will be provided for you to complete. The assessment will aid in the creation of your personalized health plan. Here are some things your visit could include:
- Reviews of medical history, including family history
- Discussion of current providers and any medications that have been prescribed
- Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements
- A personalized list of risk factors and treatment options
- Creation of a screening schedule and schedules for shots and other preventative services
- Personalized health advice based on the questionnaire
- Advance care plans
If your doctor suspects any kind of deficiency, he can schedule additional testing to do a more thorough investigation into your cognitive functions. You can also expect your provider to assess to check for signs of dementia or Alzheimer”s. Medicare will cover the additional costs of a second visit to help determine your risks for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Another portion of the “wellness” visit is to write referrals for other services. For example, if it’s time for your annual mammogram, your provider can help you get that scheduled. The same is true for other screenings as well.
Final Thoughts
A Medicare “Wellness” visit doesn’t include a physical examination. You will take a health care assessment, and then you and your provider will discuss your answers. Your provider can schedule routine screenings such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.
Your provider should do a thorough medication review with you. This will help you know which medications are on the brink of expiration. It will also help you determine if any of your medicines should be taken alone. When you use a “Wellness” visit to your benefit, you’ll create a personalized health plan.
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