Annual Wellness Visits for Medicare Patients
What Is An Annual Wellness Visit
The Annual Wellness Visit takes a look at your overall health picture and then creates a plan for any needed screenings, care, or resources that will help you have the best possible health for the next several years. Studies show this type of care can help prevent chronic disease and catch any health problems early, enhance quality of life, and even add to longevity.
- What It Is: It is an opportunity to develop a personalized prevention plan, review the care you are receiving from other doctors, receive a cognitive function checkup, and more.
- What It Is Not: It is not a head-to-toe physical exam, and it differs from the initial 'Welcome to Medicare' physical you receive when you first start Medicare coverage.
Who Is Eligible
- Must be enrolled in Medicare Part B benefits for at least 12 months.
- Have not had a 'Welcome to Medicare' or other Annual Wellness Visit in the past 12 months.
What’s Included in the Visit?
If you’ve never had a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit before, the first visit includes a provider working with you to create a comprehensive prevention plan, and it covers the following:
- Health-risk assessment
- Medical and family history
- A listing of current providers, durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers, and prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Creation of a written 5-10 year screening schedule or checklist that is tailored to individual health status, screening history, and age
- Identification of risk factors and current medical and mental health conditions, along with related current or recommended treatments
- Height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index
- Screening for cognitive impairment, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
- Depression screening
- Review of functional ability and level of safety, including screening for hearing impairments, fall risk assessment, and assessment of the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, and level of safety in the home
- Health coaches may give health advice and referrals to health education, preventive counseling services, or other programs aimed at reducing identified risk factors and promoting wellness. This may include weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation, fall prevention, and nutrition
Annual Wellness Visits after the first visit may be slightly different and will include updates to the plans made during the first visit.
Other Topics to Discuss
Your Annual Wellness Visit is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know your provider better, and to develop more trust with them as a result. Use this visit as a time to:
- Ask any medical questions you have. Bring a list so you don't forget anything.
- Discuss Advance Care Planning options, including prioritizing your health care values, tips on sharing your wishes with loved ones, and what forms to complete to formalize your wishes.
Deductibles or Other Costs
- Medicare recipients are eligible for a free follow-up wellness visit every 12 months.
- Annual wellness visits are not subject to Medicare Part B deductibles, co-insurance, or copayments, which means that there is no expense to you.
- If your provider treats an existing condition or one that is identified during the visit, you will have to pay for these services.
Contact Us
If you have questions about Annual Wellness Visits, please contact your practice directly and your provider or their staff will be able to answer your questions. You can also securely message your provider via MyChart with any questions related to Annual Wellness Visits.
