There are seven essential elements your doctor will cover in your Welcome to Medicare Visit:
- Review your medical history Your doctor will ask about your health history including illnesses, surgeries, medications, and any family history that might increase your risk for certain conditions. ...
- Risk factors for depression Seniors are at increased risk for anxiety and depression, especially those with chronic health conditions. ...
- Assess your safety Your doctor wants to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe at home. ...
- Physical exam Your doctor will check your height and weight and calculate your BMI. She’ll also check your blood pressure, vision, and hearing. ...
- End of life planning if requested Your doctor may take this opportunity to talk to you about advance directives and healthcare power of attorney. ...
- Counseling and education Your doctor will use the Welcome to Medicare Visit to give you advice and recommendations for improving your health. ...
- Referrals for additional services Your doctor may refer you for additional services such as a screening EKG, bone density scan, or ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm. ...
What can I expect at my “Welcome to Medicare” visit?
During the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, you can expect the doctor to: record your vital information (height, weight, blood pressure, body mass). review your personal and family health history. check risk factors that could indicate future serious illnesses.
How often do I get Medicare wellness visits?
If you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. Your provider may also perform a cognitive impairment assessment.
What can I ask at a Medicare wellness exam?
That’s because the wellness exam gives you an opportunity to get personalized health advice. You can talk about any healthcare concerns you may have, ask questions about your medications, talk about changes to your diet or exercise routine and more. Is the Medicare wellness exam free?
What should I expect at a wellness visit?
A wellness visit is also a good time to review all of your medications, especially if you see more than one provider. Some medicines interact with certain other medications and can cause serious side effects.
What happens during a Medicare wellness visit?
Your visit may include: A review of your medical and family history. A review of your current providers and prescriptions. Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements.
What is discussed at a wellness visit?
During your wellness exam you may receive screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs. Your doctor may ask you about current stress, physical activity, diet, or drug use such as tobacco and alcohol.
What is not included in a wellness visit?
Your insurance for your annual wellness visit does not cover any discussion, treatment or prescription of medications for chronic illnesses or conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
How do you prepare for a wellness visit?
How to get readyLook at your calendar. ... Make a list of all medications and assistive devices. ... Take screening results with you. ... Compile a list of all of your providers. ... Complete any paperwork or online forms. ... Bring a picture ID and insurance or Medicare cards. ... Write down all of your questions. ... Be ready to take notes.More items...•
What questions do they ask at a wellness check?
Top 10 questions you should be asking your doctor during your annual wellness examDo I still need my medications? ... Does my family's health put me at risk? ... Are my bowel movements normal? ... Am I getting enough sleep? ... How is my blood pressure? ... Is this normal? ... Would you recommend any additional annual screenings?More items...•
What is the difference between Welcome to Medicare and Annual wellness Visit?
Keep in mind that the AWV is not a head-to-toe physical. Also, this service is similar to but separate from the one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. Medicare Part B covers the Annual Wellness Visit if: You have had Part B for over 12 months.
What is the difference between an annual physical and a wellness visit?
An annual physical exam is more extensive than an AWV. It involves a physical exam by a doctor and includes bloodwork and other tests. The annual wellness visit will just include checking routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure.
Does Medicare wellness exam include blood work?
Any blood work or lab tests that may be part of a physical exam, are also not included under a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. The purpose of the annual wellness visit under Medicare is to paint a picture of your current state of health and to create a baseline for future care.
What is the difference between a wellness check and a physical?
A physical exam helps your doctor figure out what the problem is and what needs to be done. When you're healthy and feeling good, you want to stay that way. A wellness exam helps your doctor understand what's working for you and how to best support your continued health and well-being.
Do you have to get undressed for a physical?
You do not need to ask for anything in particular, as it is your doctor's job to know what tests you need, based on your age, gender, and medical and social history. You will need to undress, as part of the complete physical is a thorough examination of the body, including the breasts and genitals.
What should you not do before a physical exam?
7 Tips for a Successful Medical Exam1) Get a good night's sleep. Try to get eight hours the night before your exam so your blood pressure is as low as possible.2) Avoid salty or fatty foods. ... 3) Avoid exercise. ... 4) Don't drink coffee or any caffeinated products. ... 5) Fast. ... 6) Drink water. ... 7) Know your meds.