Your coverage
Your Medicare wellness visit is not a routine physical
The name sounds familiar, but the appointment has a specific purpose. A quick scheduling question can help avoid a surprise.
The yearly Medicare wellness visit develops or updates a prevention plan. It is different from a routine physical. Additional tests or treatment during the appointment may have separate costs.
Ask what appointment is being scheduled
Use the words “Medicare yearly wellness visit” when speaking with the office. Ask whether you are eligible based on your Medicare start date and previous preventive visits. The visit is generally available once every 12 months after the initial Part B period, subject to the timing rules.
Know the purpose
The visit includes a health risk assessment and a personalized prevention plan. The office may review your history, medicines, basic measurements, and screening needs. It is not the same as a full physical examination or a promise that every test is included.
Ask about additional charges
The covered wellness visit has no cost under Original Medicare when the provider accepts assignment. Separate services, including evaluation of a new problem or additional tests, may create charges. Ask the office to distinguish what is part of the wellness visit from other care.
Bring a short agenda
Prepare your current medicine list, other clinicians, and the questions you want to remember. Ask for a copy of the prevention plan. You can then keep the next screening dates and follow up tasks in one place.
Do not postpone a medical concern for this visit
Tell the office about symptoms when scheduling so it can advise on an appropriate appointment. The insurance distinction should help clarify billing, not delay needed care. Medical advice comes from your clinician.
Make it useful
Your next step checklist
Use this here, or print it for your next conversation. Your checks stay on this page only.