What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
When you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will meet your primary care provider for your initial Welcome to Medicare health visit. This is a one-time health review and happens only in the first 12 months of enrollment.
When your first 12 months of enrollment in Medicare Part B are complete, a representative from your healthcare center will ask you to come for your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This takes place once every year for as long as you have Medicare Part B.
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not a physical examination. It is a health review in which your primary care provider will determine your physical and mental wellbeing, go over your medical history, and note any changes that have taken place since your last visit.
Based on the information they get from the review, your doctor will create a preventative healthcare plan for you, to reduce your chances of getting a nasty surprise in the future.
How long does a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit take?
A standard Medicare Annual Wellness Visit takes about an hour.
How do I make an appointment for my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Your appointment will be scheduled by your healthcare provider. A representative from your healthcare center will call and give you a date and time. You may ask for a more convenient date and time, and they will arrange it depending on your primary care doctor’s availability.
Do I need to bring anything for my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Yes, you will need to bring your insurance card and some form of identification, such as a driver’s license. You should also write out a list of medications you take or have taken in the last 12 months and bring it along.
What should I do to prepare for my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
When your healthcare center representative calls to schedule your appointment, they may let you know whether you should make any specific preparations. For example, they may ask you not to eat or drink for a few hours before your visit in case they need to run a blood test, to ensure accurate readings of your blood.
What happens during a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
When you arrive at your healthcare center on the scheduled date and time of your Annual Wellness Visit appointment, a staff member will measure your height, weight, and other vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate. They will ask about your medical history and any issues you may currently have.
The clinical staff member will give you a questionnaire to fill out. This form will ask you about your diet, exercise, vaccinations, screenings for certain mental and physical issues, family history of illness, if you have anyone looking after you at home, and your ability to perform daily tasks, among other questions.
Your primary care provider will also make a note of any medications you take or have taken in the past. This is a good time to tell your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. Your doctor will listen to you and may adjust, amend, or change your medication accordingly.
During your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider may also:
- Conduct a bone density test to see if you have osteoporosis
- Screen you for depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive conditions
- Do blood tests
- Bring your immunization shots up to date
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit via telehealth
Some primary care providers offer telehealth services for the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, where the health review is conducted over the phone or a video call. If you have limited mobility, are unable to drive, or there’s no one to take you to the health center, call your care provider and ask if they offer telehealth services.
What’s next?
Based on the details you give, and the information gathered from your health review, your doctor will determine if you are at risk for any illness or disease. Your doctor will then create a treatment plan especially for you, that focuses on preventative care. They will also develop a nutrition and exercise plan for you.
If your doctor thinks something needs to be checked out further, they may ask you to come for a follow-up visit, or may refer you to a specialist.
Will I have to pay for my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is free of charge. You will not pay anything if your primary care provider is on the Medicare panel.
Why is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit important?
Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is an unhurried meeting with your primary care providers where you can talk about your health concerns. It is a yearly check that tracks your health problems and progress, allowing doctors to catch potentially serious health issues before they become too serious.
If you’ve already had your one-time Welcome to Medicare visit, and you’ve completed 12 months of being enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can be proactive about your health and call your primary care provider to make an appointment for your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit today.