""Routine physical exams are not covered by Medicare."
Welcome to Medicare Visit"
Have you looked at any Medicare link? Google "Medicare + preventive services" and you'll get pages of links..
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) expanded Medicare's menu of preventive benefits by covering an initial preventive physical examination. This benefit, also referred to as the "Welcome to Medicare" visit, is an excellent way for new Medicare beneficiaries to get up-to-date on important screenings and vaccinations, as well as to talk with their health care provider about their medical history and how to stay healthy.
The Welcome to Medicare visit enables the health care provider to comprehensively review his or her patient's health, to identify risk factors that may be associated with various diseases, and to detect diseases early when outcomes are best. The health care provider is also able to educate his or her patient about the Medicare covered services they need in order to prevent, detect, and manage disease, to counsel them on identified risk factors and possible lifestyle changes that could have a positive impact on their health, and to make referrals or follow-up appointments for necessary care.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made several important changes to this benefit. Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B with effective dates that begin on or after January 1, 2009, will have one year from their Part B enrollment date to take advantage of this one-time visit. Previously, Medicare beneficiaries only had 6 months from their Part B enrollment date to have this important service. In addition, several components of the Welcome to Medicare visit have changed.
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a comprehensive examination consisting of the following 7 components:
1. A review of an individual's medical and social history with attention to modifiable risk factors
2. A review of an individual's potential risk factors for depression
3. A review of the individual's functional ability and level of safety
4. A physical examination to include an individual's height, weight, blood pressure, visual acuity, and measurement of body mass index (a new requirement effective Jan. 1, 2009)
5. End-of-life planning (a new requirement effective Jan. 1, 2009)
6. Education, counseling, and referral based on the results of the review and evaluation services described in the previous five components
7. Education, counseling, and referral, including a brief written plan such as a checklist for obtaining the appropriate screening and/or other Medicare Part B preventive services
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