Share of Cost, Do You Know How to Use Medicare’s Preventive Services? Part 2
Point 2: Know how to prepare for your Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visits.
Medicare covers a one-time, initial examination (also known as the Welcome to Medicare preventive visit) within the first 12 months you enroll in Part B. All people new to Medicare qualify for this visit. After you’ve had Part B for longer than 12 months, you can begin receiving Annual Wellness Visits. During each visit your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment.” Answering these questions can help you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. Note that you cannot receive your Annual Wellness Visit within the first year you are enrolled in Medicare or within the same year you have your Welcome to Medicare exam.
Before your visit, make a list of illnesses that run in your family, surgeries, medical problems, treatments, injuries, allergies, and vaccines you’ve had, especially if you’re seeing a new provider. You should also make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use, including the doses and how often you take them. Remember to bring your lists with you and discuss them with your provider during your visit. Speaking with your provider is one of the best ways to make sure you receive the preventive and screening services you need.