The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit diverges from a traditional physical exam in that it prioritizes the deterrence of illnesses and impairments. In collaboration with your healthcare provider (be it a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, or a registered nurse), you will formulate a bespoke plan to achieve your personal health and wellness objectives.
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit at no cost?
Should you meet the criteria, Original Medicare provides the Annual Wellness Visit at no charge, covering it in full based on the Medicare-sanctioned amount when administered by an affiliated provider. Beneficiaries who have been enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for over a year are entitled to this complimentary yearly Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. If your healthcare provider agrees to Medicare terms—known as Medicare Assignment—there won’t be any charges for this particular visit. However, should additional procedures or diagnostics not covered by Medicare be performed, you might be responsible for extra fees. It’s recommended to consult with your healthcare provider for any inquiries.
What to anticipate during an Annual Wellness Visit:
At the first Annual Wellness Visit, your Primary Care Provider (PCP) will tailor a preventive strategy for you. Elements of this strategy may encompass:
- Measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and conducting other standard assessments
- Evaluating your personal and familial medical background
- Appraising your susceptibility to certain conditions and discussing potential treatment paths
- Undertaking a Health Risk Assessment questionnaire
- Refreshing the record of current healthcare providers and medications
- Screening for potential cognitive impairments
- Establishing a timeline for subsequent preventive services in line with medical guidelines
