Making the Most of Your Medicare Wellness Visit

Dr. Chris Baumert is the medical director of Montana Family Residency and a family medicine physician at RiverStone Health.

If you have Medicare, a yearly Wellness Visit can help you stay healthy. This visit gives you time to talk with your healthcare provider about your health and plan for the future. Many older adults find this visit helpful because it focuses on prevention and staying well.

A Medicare Wellness Visit is not the same as a regular checkup. During this visit, your provider may not listen to your heart and lungs or do a full physical exam. Instead, the visit focuses on your overall health, your medical history and your daily habits. You and your provider work together to make a plan that supports your health.

The goal of the visit is to help prevent health problems before they start. Preventive care can help you live longer, stay independent and enjoy a better quality of life.

During your Wellness Visit, your provider may ask questions about your health history, medications and lifestyle. You can talk about your diet, exercise, sleep and stress. If you have ongoing health conditions, you can also talk about ways to manage them and improve your daily life. Your provider may also discuss health risks to watch for and steps you can take to prevent illness.

Another important part of the visit is creating a personal health plan. This plan may include recommended screenings, vaccines, or healthy habits that can help you stay well.

The good news is that Medicare usually covers the full cost of your Wellness Visit. Medicare will pay for the visit if you have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months and have not had a Medicare preventive visit within the past year.

However, some services may have a cost. For example, if you need medication refills or additional procedures during the visit, those services may require a co-pay. Your provider can help explain what is covered and what may cost extra.

To get ready for your Wellness Visit, it helps to bring a few things with you. Bring your medical records, including vaccination records, if you have them. You should also bring a list of all the medicines you take and their doses. It is helpful to bring your family's medical history and a list of any other healthcare providers you see. If you have an advance directive or living will, bring that as well.

Scheduling a visit is easy. When you call for an appointment, be sure to say that you want a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit or an annual Wellness Visit. This helps the clinic schedule the right type of appointment for you.

Taking time for a Medicare Wellness Visit is a simple step that can make a big difference in your health. By talking with your provider and planning ahead, you can stay active, independent, and healthy for years to come.

To schedule an appointment at the RiverStone Health Clinic, call 406-247-3350.

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