Preventive Medical Visits for patients with Medicare Part B coverage

	ADC Doctors currently accepting new Medicare patients
	Preventive Medical Visits for patients with Medicare Part B coverage
	What are the preventive service screenings covered by Medicare?
	Medicare.gov

Medicare Part B benefits now include a “Welcome to Medicare” visit for newly eligible beneficiaries, and an “Annual Wellness” visit for beneficiaries who have had Medicare Part B for more than one year. These services are fully covered by Medicare Part B; they are free to you (i.e., you are not responsible for any coinsurance or deductibles) and are a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy.

Effective January 1, 2011 Medicare Part B began making full payment for:

	Once-in-a-lifetime “Welcome to Medicare” visit for beneficiaries within their first year of Medicare Part B enrollment
	An “Annual Wellness” visit  (If you are eligible for the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, that will be performed first and you will be eligible for this service one calendar year after that date)

The purpose of these exams is to provide a routine evaluation if you are healthy or have stable medical conditions. The treatment of other medical concerns, new or existing, are not included in these visits. You must schedule a separate appointment to address those concerns and be covered by your Medicare benefits.

What to expect during your visit

	A review of your health, including: medical, family and social history measurement of height, weight, body-mass index and blood pressure
	Screening questions regarding: functional ability hearing ability to perform activities of daily living depression memory impairment safety/fall risk
	Counseling regarding: how to stay healthy disease detection and prevention
	Coordination of any additional screening/preventive service(s)
	An opportunity to discuss end-of-life planning

Following the visit, your doctor will give you a plan or checklist with screenings or preventive services you may need.

What should I bring to my visit?

	Medical records, including immunization records. Even if your current doctor does the exam, gather as much medical information as you can to make sure nothing is overlooked.
	Family health history. Try to learn as much as you can about your family's  health history before your appointment. The information will help you and your doctor better understand what screenings you should get and what to watch for in the future.
	Medications. Bring a list of any prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.
	Complete and bring with you a Medicare Part B history form
	Complete and bring with you an Advanced Directive form.  See the Texas Department of Aging web site for more information. Directive to Physicians (PDF English) Directiva a los médicos y a familiares o substitutos (PDF Spanish)

You can read more about these benefits and others on the Medicare website http://www.medicare.gov/health/physicalexam.asp

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