What to Expect from Your Medicare Wellness Visit
WhAt to Expect from Your Medicare Wellness Visit
Medicare fully covers the Medicare Wellness Visit, a yearly appointment to discuss your plan of preventive care for the coming year. Different from a head-to-toe physical, the Medicare Wellness Visit focuses on prevention for
Medicare members. With your health care professional, you will discuss current health and risk factors and develop a personal prevention and wellness plan based on your unique health factors to ensure a healthy future.
What to Take with You
It’s a good idea to gather the following to take with you to your appointment:
- Gather your medications including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, vitamins, supplements and herbal supplements; either write down the information or bring them along
- Create a list of your health care providers that you see, including names and contact information
- If you were provided with a health history form and health risk assessment in advance, make sure to complete the forms and bring them along to your appointment
- Compile a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your health care professional
What to Expect
Prior to the visit, staff will call you to:
- Complete a health-risk assessment, which is a questionnaire that documents your current health status, injury risks, risky behaviors, etc.
- Create a list of your current providers and medications
- Develop a written 5-10-year screening schedule
At the visit, your doctor will:
- Check height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index
- Screen for cognitive impairment
- Review risk factors for depression
- Review functional ability such as screening for hearing impairments and risk of falling
Plan ahead of your annual wellness visit and be prepared to answer questions relating to the lists above. Just like a physical exam, even if you are in excellent health, the Medicare Wellness Visit is important to maintaining your health as it addresses any concerns early on. Schedule your Medicare Wellness Visit today!
