The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a time for you and your provider to discuss all of your healthcare needs and challenges. An Annual Wellness Visit can help prevent or improve medical conditions before they become a problem, preventing unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department, improving your quality of life, and keeping you independent for a longer time.
During your Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider will talk through all of your medical conditions, any medications you may be taking, and discuss any gaps in information. They will talk through any medical problems you may need to be aware of in the future and create a summary of care. Your Annual Wellness Visit is also a great opportunity to review your Advanced Directive with your provider. Living wills and other advance directives are written, legal instructions regarding your preferences for medical care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Although you may receive preventative care like a flu-shot or shingles shot, an annual wellness visit is not an actual physical exam.
Patients who have Medicare Part B coverage are eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. The cost of this visit is covered entirely by Medicare but does not include other services that may be involved with your visit such as lab work or imaging.
To best prepare for your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, it is helpful to bring any medical records you have, including immunization records, any family health history you have, a list of medications you take, including vitamins, supplements, and herbs, and a list of the healthcare providers currently involved in your care.
Research shows that the Annual Wellness Visit can help promote well-being and prevent health decline, saving you time, money, and worry. If you have questions or would like to schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, call your primary care provider today!