You’ve officially become a Medicare member after receiving the card in the mail—congratulations! Now, one of your next steps is scheduling a Welcome to Medicare visit. But what exactly does this visit entail, and is it necessary?
Let’s delve into what you can anticipate during your Welcome to Medicare visit, covering details such as when to schedule it and how to prepare.
What is a Welcome to Medicare visit?
A Welcome to Medicare visit serves as an initial preventive care session designed for those new to Medicare. It provides an opportunity to engage with your doctor, discussing your current health and forming a general overview of your well-being.
Unlike an annual physical or routine doctor’s appointment that addresses specific health concerns, this visit typically doesn’t involve lab tests or screenings, although your doctor might recommend some. Think of it as a foundational, preventive health assessment where you’ll review your health history, potential future health concerns, and more.
Is the Welcome to Medicare visit mandatory?
No, the Welcome to Medicare visit is not mandatory, and participating is not required to maintain coverage. However, even without a mandatory requirement, scheduling this visit can be a valuable opportunity to have a comprehensive discussion about your overall health with your doctor.
What does the visit include?
The Welcome to Medicare visit comprises a checkup and a conversation with your doctor regarding both your physical and emotional health. Components of the visit may involve:
- Reviewing your medical and family health history
- Conducting a simple vision test
- Performing measurements for height, weight, and blood pressure
- Discussing your emotional health and assessing the risk for depression
- Receiving personalized recommendations for any necessary care, such as screening tests or shots
What laboratory tests are part of the Welcome to Medicare visit?
Consider this visit more as a preventive check-in with your doctor. Unlike an annual physical, it typically doesn’t include lab tests and screening exams. During this visit, you’ll meet with your doctor to discuss your medical history, potential health care needs, and any risks. Additionally, you’ll receive overall health care recommendations from your doctor.
When to arrange your Welcome to Medicare visit:
Medicare Part B (Medical insurance) covers a Welcome to Medicare preventive visit once within the initial 12 months of having Part B. You have the flexibility to schedule this visit at any time during the first year with any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Your Checklist for the Welcome to Medicare Visit: Preparing for Your Appointment
The more you prepare for your visit, the easier it will be for your doctor to provide the best health recommendations for you. Here’s a simple yet comprehensive checklist to help you get started on your Welcome to Medicare visit:
What to bring:
Family health history: Gather information about any health conditions your family members have had. This can help your doctor identify early signs of disease.
Medical records and immunization records: If you’ve been a patient at the same office for a long time, your records should be there. However, if you’re changing clinics, you may need to transfer records from your old doctor to the new one. Contact your old doctor’s office in advance to request this transfer. It usually involves filling out a form, and there is no charge, but it may take a few weeks.
List of your medicines: Bring all the medication bottles for your doctor to review. Create a list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and other supplements. Include details like how much you take, how often, and the purpose.
Advance directive confirmation: Take the opportunity to ensure that your office has a copy of your advance directive on file. These legal documents provide instructions for medical care in case you cannot communicate your needs. Depending on your situation, your advance directives could be a living will or durable power of attorney. If you don’t have one but are interested, seek guidance from your doctor.
Is a Welcome to Medicare visit different from an Annual Wellness Visit?
Yes, a Welcome to Medicare visit is an initial checkup, laying the foundation for your health care as a Medicare member. An Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment to update or create a preventive health plan based on your current health.
During the Annual Wellness Visit, you have the chance to update your care team on your overall health and needs. Although it may include a screening for memory issues, it doesn’t involve a complete physical exam. This allows more time for discussions on:
- Improving or maintaining physical and mental health
- Staying active
- Reducing the risk of falls
- Addressing concerns about memory
- Managing bladder control issues
You are entitled to one covered wellness visit each year, provided you visit a care team or doctor that accepts Medicare.
What is the cost of the Welcome to Medicare visit?
The Welcome to Medicare visit is free of charge and covered only once. Ensure you visit a doctor who accepts Medicare assignments. If your doctor recommends additional care, tests, or procedures during the visit, you may be responsible for the costs. However, if you have a Medicare plan, you can inquire about the costs of these extras by calling your insurance company before proceeding.
Need help? Call Brady Insurance Marketing: 801-347-2087. Our assistance is at no cost to you