Definition. A preventive visit under Medicare Part B, once every 12 months, focused on your health risks and a personalized prevention plan. The Part B deductible and coinsurance don't apply when the provider accepts assignment.
What it means
In your first 12 months with Part B you can get a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit. After you've had Part B for more than 12 months, you can get an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. It usually includes:
- A health risk questionnaire and a review of your medical and family history.
- A list of your current providers and prescriptions.
- Height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements.
- A check for cognitive impairment.
- A screening schedule for the next 5 to 10 years and advice about your risk factors.
Original Medicare doesn't cover a routine physical exam. If your provider does other tests or treats a problem during the same visit, you may owe the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance for that extra care.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Yearly "Wellness" visits
- Medicare.gov — Preventive & screening services
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs
Frequently asked questions
Will my doctor charge me for an Annual Wellness Visit?
Not for the visit itself if the doctor accepts assignment. If a new problem is checked or treated in the same visit, that extra service can be billed with the usual Part B deductible and coinsurance.
Is the Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical?
No. It's a planning visit about your health risks and screenings. Original Medicare doesn't cover a routine physical exam.
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