Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare patients are eligible for wellness visits. There are two types: Welcome to Medicare Visit and Annual Wellness Visits. Patients are eligible for the Welcome visit the first year after signing up for Medicare. It is done by a healthcare provider and is covered one time at no cost to the patient (unless the healthcare provider adds on additional testing.) During the visit, patients will be checked for vision, risk of depression, memory, risk of falls, health risks, ability to care for themselves, and chronic medical conditions.
Once a patient has had Medicare for longer than 12 months, they may qualify for Wellness Visits yearly. This can be done by a health care provider or nurse. This too is at no cost to the patient. During these visits, the patient’s medical history and medications are reviewed. A Health Risk Assessment is completed along with testing for vital signs, vision, height, weight, and BMI. Patients are assessed for cognitive impairment, safety concerns, and risk of depression. A written plan is then reviewed with each patient regarding screening tests, shots, or other preventive services that are needed and what is covered by Medicare. Contact your health care provider at the Mount Ayr Medical Clinic to schedule a wellness visit.
Annual Wellness Visit & Preventive Screening Recommendations
Vaccines (flu, pneumococcal) – For all Medicare patients
Bone mass measurements – For Medicare patients at risk for developing osteoporosis
Cardiovascular screening blood tests – For all asymptomatic Medicare patients
Colorectal cancer screening – For Medicare patients age 50 and over
Diabetes screenings – Medicare patients with certain risk factors
Diabetes self-management training – Medicare patients at risk for complications from diabetes
Glaucoma screening – For people with diabetes mellitus or a family history
Prostate cancer screening – For all male patients 50 or older
Screening pap tests and pelvic exams – For all female Medicare patients
Screening mammography – For all females 40 and older
Smoking cessation – All Medicare patients
