Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
"Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit
Medicare Part B Medical Insurance provides a "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit, which is available once within the first 12 months of your Part B enrollment.
Your costs in Original Medicare
If your doctor or healthcare provider accepts Medicare, you won't incur any costs for the visit. The Part B deductible is not applicable.
What it is
This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health. It also offers education and counseling on preventive services, including:
- Specific screenings, flu and pneumococcal vaccines, and referrals for additional care if necessary.
- Measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure.
- A body mass index (BMI) calculation.
- A simple vision test.
- An assessment of your risk for depression and evaluation of your overall safety.
- An opportunity to discuss creating an advance directive.
- A written plan outlining the screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive services you need.
Things to know
When making your appointment, let your doctor’s office know that you want to schedule your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. Remember to bring the following items with you:
- Your medical records, including your immunization history.
- Your family’s health history.
- A list of any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking, including how often and why.
Get In Touch
For further inquiries or to find out about our doctor’s availability, call us at 630-931-2929.
Annual Wellness Visits
If you've been enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for more than 12 months, you're eligible for an annual "Wellness" visit to create or update a personalized plan focused on preventing disease or disability, considering your current health and risk factors. Please note, the annual "Wellness" visit does not involve a physical exam.
Your first annual "Wellness" visit must be scheduled more than 12 months after your Part B enrollment or your "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit. However, you do not need to have had a "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit to qualify for the annual "Wellness" visit.
Your costs in Original Medicare
This visit is free if your doctor or healthcare provider accepts Medicare, and the Part B deductible is not applicable.
However, if additional tests or services not covered by this preventive benefit are performed during the same visit, you may be required to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply.
If Medicare does not cover the additional tests or services, such as a routine physical exam, you may be responsible for the full cost.
What it is
As part of this visit, your doctor or healthcare provider will ask you to complete a "Health Risk Assessment" questionnaire. Answering these questions will assist you and your doctor in creating a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and maximize the benefits of your visit. Your visit may include:
- Routine measurements (like height, weight, and blood pressure).
- A review of your medical and family history.
- A review of your current prescriptions.
- Personalized health advice.
- Advance Care Planning.
Your doctor or healthcare provider will also conduct a cognitive assessment to check for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Signs of cognitive impairment may include difficulty remembering, learning new things, concentrating, managing finances, and making decisions about daily life. If your doctor suspects cognitive impairment, Medicare covers a separate visit for a more in-depth evaluation of your cognitive function, including checks for conditions like dementia, depression, anxiety, or delirium, and to develop a care plan.
