This visit is designed to help you stay healthy and proactive, and it isn’t a physical exam. This preventive visit is an important opportunity to start your Medicare coverage on the right foot and stay ahead of your health needs!
Upon receiving your Medicare card, we encourage you to contact us to arrange your Initial Preventive Physical Exam, commonly referred to as the Welcome to Medicare Visit. The initial Welcome to Medicare visit must occur within the first 12 months of receiving Medicare benefits. Following this period, you are eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit, which is crucial for updating your health risk assessment and preventive care strategies. Medicare fully covers this visit, requiring no co-pay or deductible. Even if you have primary insurance and Medicare acts as secondary, this visit remains covered.
Your healthcare provider may recommend services more frequently than Medicare covers or suggest services or tests that aren’t covered at all. In these cases, you could be required to pay part or all of the costs. It’s always a good idea to ask questions to understand the reasons behind any recommendations and how much Medicare will cover.
During your “Welcome to Medicare” visit, your doctor will:
- Review your medical and social history related to your health.
- Provide information on preventive services, including important screenings and immunizations like flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines.
- Take your height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.
- Offer referrals for additional care, if necessary.
- Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Perform a simple vision test.
- Assess your risk for depression.
- Discuss the option of creating advance directives.
- Provide a written plan (checklist) of the screenings, shots, and preventive services you need, along with coverage details.
When scheduling your appointment, be sure to let the doctor’s office know you’re requesting the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. To help your doctor provide the best care, bring the following with you:
- Your medical records, including immunization history.
- Your family’s health history.
- A list of all medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you currently take, including dosage and frequency.
Give us a call at 307-233-6000 to get scheduled!