The Medicare annual wellness visit is a free benefit that will help you make a plan with your health care team for how to stay healthy. During this annual visit, you will talk with your health care provider about your medical history, risk for certain diseases, the current state of your health, and create a personalized prevention plan.
Your provider will:
- Review your health risk assessment, which you may complete before or during your visit
- Make a list of your health care providers and medications, including vitamins
- Take your medical and family history
- Measure your height, weight and blood pressure
- Review risk factors for depression
- Screen for cognitive impairment
- Review your functional ability and level of safety
- Create a written screening schedule or checklist for the next 5 - 10 years
Your provider might refer you for screenings or services after the appointment.
How is the annual wellness visit different from other visits?
This is not the same as a yearly physical exam. Your provider will not listen to your heart and lungs or check other parts of your body. You will probably not have blood tests during this visit.
When do I get it?
You can get your first annual wellness visit after you have been enrolled in Medicare for 12 months. After your first annual wellness visit, you can get a follow up visit every 12 months.
Who pays for it?
- Medicare will pay for the visit
- Medicare will pay for most screening services you need
- You might owe a copayment for some screening services and follow up visits
How do I schedule my visit?
When you call your doctor’s office, tell them that you would like to schedule your annual wellness visit. They will help you to plan for the visit. They may send you a form about your health to fill out and bring to your appointment.
Things to bring to your annual wellness visit:
- A list of your health care providers
- The names of your medical equipment supply companies
- A list of all of your medicines and dosages, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements
- The names of the pharmacies you use