Your Guide to Medicare Wellness Visits and Preventive Care

When it comes to your health, most people think of visiting the doctor when something feels off. But regular checkups are just as important when you’re feeling well. Routine wellness visits allow you and your healthcare provider to stay ahead of potential health issues and maintain a strong foundation for long-term wellness.

These visits are also an opportunity to ask questions about your medications, supplements, nutrition, or exercise habits, ensuring your care plan fits your current needs and goals.

“Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit

If you’ve recently enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’re eligible for a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit within your first 12 months of coverage. This visit helps you get started with Medicare’s preventive services and includes:

• Medical and Family History Review: Discuss your personal and family health history to identify potential risks.
• Baseline Measurements: Record vital statistics such as height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI).
• Preventive Services Counseling: Receive guidance on screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive measures that are right for you.
• Advance Care Planning: Option to discuss your future care preferences and planning.

Annual Wellness Visit

After your first year with Medicare Part B, you can schedule an Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. This visit focuses on prevention and planning rather than diagnosing or treating specific health problems. It typically includes:

• Health Risk Assessment: A questionnaire to evaluate your overall health and identify potential risk factors.
• Routine Measurements: Updates on vital statistics like height, weight, and blood pressure.
• Updated Health History: Review any changes in your medical or family history.
• Screening Schedule: A checklist of preventive services and screenings recommended for your age and health status.
• Personalized Health Advice: Tailored recommendations for healthy living and disease prevention.
• Cognitive Assessment: Evaluation for signs of memory or cognitive changes.
• Advance Care Planning: Optional discussion about your preferences for future healthcare decisions.

Wellness Visit vs. Physical Exam

One common misconception is that a Medicare Wellness Visit is the same as an annual physical exam but there are key differences:

• Medicare Wellness Visit: Focuses on preventive care, personalized health planning, and identifying potential health risks.
• Physical Exam: A more hands-on evaluation that may include diagnostic tests, lab work, and treatment for specific conditions.

Medicare covers Annual Wellness Visits, but not routine physical exams. If you need a traditional physical exam, you may need to pay out-of-pocket or check if your supplemental insurance covers the cost.

Taking advantage of your Medicare Wellness Visits helps you stay proactive about your health and catch potential issues early, keeping you healthy and informed year after year.