Medicare Specific

Ever wonder what Medicare expects to be completed for a “Welcome to Medicare” Preventative visit and an Annual Wellness visit? Boundary Community Clinics has received an explanation.

“Welcome to Medicare” Preventative Visit

This is NOT a physical exam. This visit is only available once within the first 12 months of enrolling for Medicare Part B. This visit is a review of your medical and social histories as they relate to your health, and includes education and counseling regarding preventative services. The following information is collected:

• Height, weight and blood pressure
• Certain screenings, shots and referral information for other care, if appropriate
• A simple vision test
• Calculation of your BMI (body mass index)
• Review of the potential risk of depression and level of safety
• Discussion regarding Advanced Care Planning Directives
• A written plan of screenings, shots and other preventative services to consider

Annual “Wellness” Review

Although often referred to as a preventative visit, yearly visit or yearly check-up, this visit is NOT a physical exam. It is a discussion with a provider to complete a personalized prevention plan. This visit is available only after one year of enrollment in Medicare Part B. The following is a list of items included in your Annual Wellness Review:

• Review/update of Health Risk Assessment
• Review/update of medical/family histories
• Review/update list of current providers and suppliers
• Weight, blood pressure and other routine assessments
• Detection for cognitive impairment
• Updated list of risk factors and treatment options
• Personalized health advice
• Screening schedule (checklist) of preventative services available
• Advanced care planning information

An Annual Wellness Review Appointment does NOT include a physical. It is a discussion with a provider to complete a personalized prevention plan. Medicare does not pay for a physical exam. If you have a supplemental plan it may cover a traditional Physical; however, that is separate from the Medicare Preventative Screening Visits and must be scheduled as a separate visit.