When you receive the “Welcome to Medicare” guide, have you ever wondered what the difference in visits are? Here is an explanation:
“Welcome to Medicare” or Initial Preventive Physical Exam
This screening and physical exam is only available during the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. This visit is a review of your medical and social histories and risk factors to create a base line for visits going forward.
- Vitals (height, weight, blood pressure, simple vision)
- Calculation of your BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Review of depression and safety risks
- Advanced Care Planning Directives discussion
- Plan of screenings, shots, and other preventive services to consider
Annual Wellness Screening Visit (AWV)
This visit is a discussion (not a physical exam) with your provider to review screening needs and update personal history. Medicare does not pay for a physical exam. Included topics in an AWV:
- Vital Assessment (height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing)
- Cognitive Impairment Detection
- Review/update of health risk assessment
- Review/update of medical/family histories
- Review/update of current providers, suppliers, and specialists
- Review/update of risk factors and treatment options
- Personalized health advice
- Screening schedule review
- Advanced Care Planning information
Traditional Physical Exam (General or Sports)
If you have a supplemental plan, it may cover a traditional physical. A traditional medical physical exam typically consists of a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment. It is broken down into four core examination techniques: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It primarily involves measuring vital signs, checking the function of major organ systems, and evaluating general wellness.
- Vital Signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, height, weight)
- General Appearance
- Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat inspection
- Heart Auscultation
- Respiratory review
- Abdomen palpation
- Neurological review
- Musculoskeletal review
- Skin/Nail review
- Supplemental Screenings
- Bloodwork review