Medicare offers a broad range of preventative care services without a cost to beneficiaries. These services are designed to keep Medicare recipients as healthy as possible, reduce the chances of illness and identify signs of disease before they are too advanced to reverse or something more serious happens. The Medicare Annual wellness visit is one of the most common preventative Medicare services, but it is also very misunderstood.
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Mandatory?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not mandatory. Instead, it’s a complimentary annual visit that you can opt in to and receive quality medical care free of charge. This visit is designed to make sure you have a good relationship with your doctor and that you are seeing your doctor at least once a year to plan out preventative care, tests and other wellness-related tasks.
What Does the Visit Include?
The annual wellness visit is not like the annual physical exams you have probably had in the past. While some of the elements are the same, many things are different to ensure that you get the most comprehensive picture of your current health possible. In general, a Medicare Annual Wellness visit will include:
- Measurements (height, weight, etc.)
- Blood pressure check
- Examination of your current list of medications and any supplements
- Health risk assessment that includes questions about your needs, risk factors and your current health
- Review of your medical history
- Review of your family medical history
- Basic assessment of your mobility and functional ability (can you bathe yourself, eat independently, etc.)
- Screenings for depression, hearing loss and dementia
Your doctor can also connect you with additional information on ways to limit and manage your risk factors. For example, if you would like to maintain a healthier weight and lifestyle, they could supply you with nutrition information and connect you with a nutritionist or dietician. Many Medicare patients don’t realize the numerous options available to them through the annual wellness visit until they go.
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