Medicare Wellness Visits in Central PA
Introductory Medicare Wellness Visit
MEDICARE PREVENTIVE VISIT: You can get this introductory visit only within the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health, as well as education and counseling about preventive services – including certain screenings, shots, and referrals for other care, if needed.
An Initial Medicare Wellness Visit includes:
- Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements
- A calculation of your body mass index (BMI)
- A simple vision test
- A review of your potential risk for depression and your level of safety
- An offer to talk with you about creating advance directives
- A written plan letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventive services you need
- Details about coverage for screenings, shots, and other preventive services
This special comprehensive visit is covered one time by Medicare. However, this visit isn’t required in order to be covered for future yearly wellness visits.
Your Costs in Original Medicare
- You pay nothing for the initial “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit or the yearly “Wellness” visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts Medicare coverage. The Medicare Part B deductible does not apply to these visits.
- If your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit, but these tests or services are not covered under the preventive benefits, you may have to pay coinsurance – and the Part B deductible may apply.
NOTE: Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend that you get certain services more often than what Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare does not cover.
If this happens, and you agree to receive these services and/or tests to maintain optimum health, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. It’s important to ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.
