Confusing a wellness visit with a physical could be very costly.
As part of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries receive a free annual wellness visit. At this visit, your doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant will generally:
- ask you to fill out a health risk assessment questionnaire;
- update your medical history and current prescriptions;
- measure your height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index;
- provide personalized health advice;
- create a screening schedule for the next 5 to 10 years;
- screen for cognitive issues.
You do not have to pay a deductible for this visit. You may also receive other free preventative services, such as a flu shot.
The confusion arises when a Medicare beneficiary requests an “annual physical” instead of an “annual wellness visit.” During a physical, a doctor may do other tests that are outside of an annual wellness visit, such as check vital signs, perform lung or abdominal exams, test your reflexes, or order urine and blood samples. These services are not offered for free and Medicare beneficiaries will have to pay co-pays and deductibles.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that, when you first enroll, Medicare covers a “welcome to Medicare” visit with your doctor. To avoid co-pays and deductibles, you need to schedule this visit within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. The visit covers the same things as the annual wellness visit, and it covers screenings and flu shots, a vision test, review of risk for depression, the option of creating advance directives, and a written plan, letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventative services you should get.
When you contact your doctor’s office to schedule an appointment be sure to request an “annual wellness visit” instead of asking for a “physical.” The difference in wording can save you hundreds of dollars. In addition, some Medicare Advantage plans offer a free annual physical, so check with your plan if you are enrolled in one before scheduling.
