
Screening tests Medicare covers
Condition | Screening test | Frequency |
abdominal aortic aneurysm | abdominal ultrasound | once |
alcohol misuse | screening interview | once a year |
breast cancer | mammogram | once a year (over 40 years old) |
cardiovascular disease | blood test | once a year |
- Certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots, and referrals for other care, if needed.
- Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.
- A calculation of your body mass index.
- A simple vision test.
- A review of your potential risk for depression and your level of safety.
What is included in the Welcome to Medicare visit?
Your doctor will use the Welcome to Medicare Visit to give you advice and recommendations for improving your health. This could include information about diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activity, and preventive tests and services you may need.
What happens at a welcome to Medicare exam?
The focus of the exam is to improve health and well-being. Your doctor will use preventive services to keep your health in tip-top shape. The Welcome to Medicare visit is no cost to you.
What is the Welcome to Medicare preventive exam called?
Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) The IPPE is known as the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. The IPPE goals are health promotion, and disease prevention and detection. Medicare pays for one patient IPPE per lifetime not later than the first 12 months after the patient’s Medicare Part B benefits eligibility date.
Does welcome to Medicare visit include EKG?
Does Welcome to Medicare Visit include EKG? EKG screenings fall under the diagnostic test category and are part of your Welcome to Medicare visit. Medicare covers this test once in the Welcome to Medicare visit. Also, Medicare covers part of a second EKG if you need a diagnostic test.

Does Welcome to Medicare include physical exam?
It includes taking your medical history, a basic exam, assessing risk and safety, and making healthcare recommendations. The Welcome to Medicare visit isn't an annual physical. Things like laboratory tests and screening exams aren't included.
Does Welcome to Medicare visit include EKG?
Is an EKG required during a Welcome to Medicare visit? No. Medicare Part B covers one electrocardiogram screening if you receive a referral from your doctor or other health care provider as part of your one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. However, your doctor will not perform an EKG during your visit.
What questions are asked at Medicare wellness exam?
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 included in a Medicare physical exam?
Medicare WellnessDoctor will measure height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements.Doctor will review your medical and family history.Doctor will assess your risk factors and treatment options.Review Health Risk Assessment questionnaire.Updating list of providers and prescriptions.More items...•
What is the difference between a wellness visit and an annual physical?
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.
How many EKG does Medicare cover?
one screening EKGDoes Medicare pay for a routine EKG? Medicare will only pay for one screening EKG in your lifetime. To be covered, your doctor must order the EKG as part of your “Welcome to Medicare” visit. That visit must happen during the first 12 months you're on Medicare.
How do I prepare for Medicare wellness visit?
Review your medical history and your health risk assessment. Develop or update a list of your current providers and medications. Take your height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements. Complete a screening for depression and for any problems with memory or thinking.
Does Medicare require a cognitive test?
Detecting cognitive impairment is a required element of Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). You can also detect cognitive impairment as part of a routine visit through direct observation or by considering information from the patient, family, friends, caregivers, and others.
How do I prepare for a wellness exam?
Six Tips to Prepare for Your Annual PhysicalSchedule an Appointment. First, schedule an appointment for your physical with your primary care physician. ... Fasting Before Physical. ... List of Medications. ... Bring Results of Medical Tests. ... Bring a Current List of your Immunizations. ... Be Assured that Your Wellness Visit is Confidential.
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.
What does a yearly wellness exam include?
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 a routine physical exam?
A physical examination is a routine test your primary care provider (PCP) performs to check your overall health. A PCP may be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. The exam is also known as a wellness check. You don't have to be sick to request an exam.