What is the annual Medicare wellness visit?
Medicare allows beneficiaries a checkup with their primary care provider every year. That visit is called the annual wellness visit. The goal is to help prevent illnesses by checking up on how you are and how you’re managing any health concerns.
Who is eligible for the annual wellness visit?
You are eligible for the Medicare annual wellness visit if you’ve had coverage under Medicare Part B (out-of-hospital coverage) for more than 12 months and if you haven’t had a wellness visit in the last 12 months.
What do you check during a Medicare wellness visit?
Expect routine tests and checks during the exam. These can include:
- A check of your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements
- A questionnaire to fill in before or during the visit that includes questions about how you are feeling, any risks, and any current health concerns.
- Some tests or questions about health issues such as hearing, risk for falling, and how well you do on some basic tasks such as dressing and bathing.
- Your personal and family medical history
- Discussion of all drugs you take
- A basic screening test of your cognitive ability to check for dementia
- A check for depression, which can be a written questionnaire or questions from the doctor
What happens if you discover a health concern?
If Dr. Bohannon discovers a medical issue that needs treatment, he discusses a plan with you, which could include a referral to a medical specialist. If he refers you to another doctor — for example, a neurologist to see why you’ve been falling — Dr. Bohannon follows up with you and the specialist to find out what treatment, if any, is planned and to see if you have any questions or concerns.
Do you discuss basic health issues?
As part of the Medicare wellness visit, Dr. Bohannon also gives you information on weight, exercise, fall prevention, nutrition, and other issues that are specific to you, your age, and your health.
If it’s time for your Medicare annual wellness visit, call the office or book an appointment online today to schedule your visit with Dr. Bohannon.
