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Sep 16 2024

Staying healthy starts with prevention

September 16, 2024  /   Family Medicine  /   4-minute read

Schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit today

Staying healthy as we age becomes even more important. That’s why Medicare offers a free annual benefit called the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)—it’s not just a doctor’s appointment—it’s a personalized roadmap to staying well.

Why schedule your Medicare AWV

  • Free and easy: This yearly visit is entirely covered by Medicare Part B, with no out-of-pocket costs.
  • Proactive healthcare: Your healthcare team will work with you to identify any health risks you may have, allowing for early detection and prevention of potential issues.
  • Personalized plan: Based on your health history and needs, you’ll receive a customized plan to keep you healthy. This may include screenings, immunizations, lifestyle changes, and more recommendations.
  • Focus on you: The AWV is a chance to discuss your overall health and well-being, including your mental health.
  • Lower costs down the road: Addressing potential health issues early could save money on future medical expenses.

What to expect during your Medicare AWV

  • Complete review of medical history and medications: Be prepared to answer questions about your health history and medications. This helps your provider understand your overall health picture.
  • Medication review: Please bring all prescribed medications and supplements to your appointment.
  • Health risk assessment: You may complete a questionnaire to identify potential chronic disease risks.
  • Simple screenings: These may include blood pressure checks, weight and height measurements, and hearing tests.
  • Review of cognitive and functional abilities: This includes checking for fall risks, hearing impairment, and overall home safety.
  • Personalized prevention plan: This plan will outline steps to stay healthy, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting recommended vaccinations.
  • Discussion of your wishes for future care: This is an opportunity to discuss your preferences for care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
  • Checklist for the next 5-10 years: This helps you stay up-to-date on recommended screenings and services.
  • Appropriate referrals: You may be referred to specialists for further evaluation or to health education programs for additional support.

Taking charge of your health is easier than ever. By scheduling your annual AWV, you’re investing in a healthier future. Call your Welia Health clinic to schedule your appointment. Mention that you’d like to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit.

More about Medicare wellness visits

Medicare Part B covers different types of wellness visits:

  • Welcome to Medicare preventive visit – This is a one-time visit, completed within your initial 12 months of Medicare Part B coverage. Sometimes referred to as an Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE).
  • First annual wellness visit—This is a one–time visit at least 12 months after your “Welcome to Medicare preventive visit” is complete.
  • Yearly wellness visits – Ongoing annual visits, at least 12 months apart from a prior wellness visit. Exclusively for women, breast and pelvic exams are covered every other year.

Additional details can be found at Medicare.gov or call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227). 

Please note: If you find that you need additional medical tests and services, you can schedule extra time with your provider to discuss any new or existing health concerns. There will be additional costs associated (including co-insurance and/or deductibles) charged to your insurance.

Schedule your Medicare AWV today

Appointments for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits are available in Mora, Hinckley and Pine City. Call Welia Health at 1.800.245.5671 or use MyChart to schedule an appointment.

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