Emily Balser, MD, explains Medicare Annual Wellness Visits.

If you are on Medicare medical insurance, Medicare Part B covers a yearly wellness visit. This visit is a proactive way to stay on top of your health.

Focus on Staying Well

While it is not a physical exam, the Medicare annual wellness visit is meant to be preventive. It is a one-on-one discussion with your provider about your health history, current prescriptions, measurements, screenings and more.

“When we see our patients regularly, we have a much better pulse on their health,” said Emily Balser, MD, a Samaritan Health Services family medicine physician. “I can’t say enough how important it is to take time to discuss a patient’s health outside of a medical crisis. It is a meaningful conversation that sets the stage for ongoing wellness.”

Prior to the visit, you’ll be asked to fill out a health risk assessment questionnaire. This helps you and your provider get the most out of your visit.

Review Your Health Status

During the visit, your provider will review your current health status with you, consider preventive services, perform a cognitive assessment, discuss advance care planning and more.

You pay nothing for the wellness visit. However, if additional tests or services are conducted (like a physical exam) outside the preventive intent of the visit, you may pay coinsurance and the Part B deductible. If additional cognitive assessments are recommended, Medicare covers a separate visit to do a more thorough review to check for conditions like dementia, depression, anxiety or delirium.

If you are a new Medicare recipient, your first annual wellness visit will be one year after your first “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit.

“For seniors who want to stay well to enjoy their independence, family, friends and hobbies, this visit is well worth their time,” said Dr. Balser. “It offers peace of mind that you are doing your best to feel your best.”

Learn More About Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

Watch this Medicare annual wellness visit video or visit our website to learn more about this Medicare benefit.

To schedule an in-person or virtual Medicare annual wellness visit, call 541-812-5177. You can also make an appointment request with your provider through MyChart.