What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Check?
The Annual Wellness Check is a yearly primary care visit that applies to individuals who have been covered by Medicare Part B for at least a year. The exam includes an assessment of your general wellness, along with developing a personalized plan for disease prevention. The Annual Wellness Check is different from a routine physical, as it focuses more on screening for diseases than a head-to-toe exam. Typically, the visit is fully covered by Medicare once every 12 months. The experienced family physicians at Lawrence Family Practice Center provide Medicare exams at our office in Lawrence, KS. Please get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment. We offer a comfortable, family-centered environment where patients of all backgrounds are welcome.
What Are the Benefits of a Medicare Annual Wellness Check?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Check at Lawrence Family Practice Center is a proactive approach to healthcare that emphasizes several methods of care to help beneficiaries in Lawrence, KS maintain or improve their health effectively. They include:
- Preventive care
- Early detection of health issues
- Personalized care
- Health risk assessment
- Regular monitoring to track health progress and patterns
- Medical history review
- Detection of cognitive impairment
- Medication review
- Referrals
- Education
Who Is a Candidate for a Medicare Annual Wellness Check?
To be considered a candidate for a Medicare Annual Wellness Check, a patient must be 65 and older and have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months. This exam at Lawrence Family Practice Center could also be beneficial for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, as well as those with a family history of certain diseases or conditions. Additionally, individuals seeking preventive care services like screenings or vaccinations can benefit from the Annual Wellness Check. It is also recommended for Medicare beneficiaries looking to review their current medications, establish a baseline for their health, and address any concerns or questions they may have about their overall well-being.
Reviews
What to Expect During a Medicare Visit
Our highly trained physicians provide all exams within private treatment rooms at our facility in Lawrence, KS. Prior to the exam, you'll fill out a questionnaire that helps your doctor evaluate your health and current disease risk factors. We will then review and update your medical history and current medications, along with checking your blood pressure, height, weight, and other basic indicators of health. The visit may also include screenings for cognitive impairments, hearing loss, and risk of falling. Based on your individual disease risk factors, your physician will provide any needed treatment options, along with customized health advice focused on disease prevention.
Medicare Annual Wellness Check FAQ
How long do I need to have Medicare to be eligible for my Annual Wellness Check?
To be eligible for an Annual Wellness Check under Medicare, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least one year (12 months). Once you’ve reached the one-year mark, you will be fully eligible for your yearly wellness check under your coverage.
How much does a Medicare Annual Wellness Check cost?
It costs you nothing. The Annual Wellness Check is fully covered under Medicare Part B. However, if further services, testing, and/or diagnostics are needed or recommended, you may incur some out-of-pocket costs. Medicare covers an initial preventative physical examination and then your yearly Annual Wellness Check, which is not the same thing as a physical examination.
Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Check the same as a physical exam?
No, it is not. A Medicare Annual Wellness Check only takes your vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc.) in addition to completing a health risk assessment questionnaire alongside a conversation with your doctor. During an Annual Wellness Check at Lawrence Family Practice Center, we will work with you to develop a health plan to reduce your risks for disease and disabilities. Physical exams are not covered under Medicare.
What does a Medicare Annual Wellness Check consist of?
A typical Medicare Annual Wellness Check includes:
- Taking vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
- A health risk assessment
- Developing a plan to reduce disease and disability risks
- Planning a testing and screening schedule
- Review of medical history and family history
- Updating your current health data and medication information
- Personal health advice
- Review of current providers and prescriptions
- A cognitive impairment assessment (if necessary)
Illness Prevention
At Lawrence Family Practice Center, we offer professional care that focuses on your individual needs. If you're a Medicare patient, we encourage you to get the most out of your coverage by scheduling your Annual Wellness Check in Lawrence, KS. During your visit, you'll receive customized tips to help you stay in great health. Please contact our office to book your appointment today.
