Annual Wellness Visits

No. There are three different exams for people enrolled in Medicare:

• Welcome to Medicare visit: This is a one-time visit offered within the first 12 months of being on Medicare. There is no cost if the provider accepts Medicare. Please note that you might have to pay for extra tests or services you have during this visit. 
• Annual Wellness Visit (AWV): This once-a-year visit is a good time to talk about your overall health and any concerns you may have. There is no cost if the provider accepts Medicare. Please note that you might have to pay for extra tests or services you have during this visit. 
• Routine physical: The main purpose of this exam is to look for health problems. Medicare doesn't usually cover this. Your costs will depend on your plan.

There’s no extra charge and no copay for your AWV. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t met your deductible or what Medicare plan you have. You just need to see a provider who accepts Medicare. You might have to pay for extra tests or services you have during this visit.

This is a good time to talk to a provider about your current health and how to stay healthy, safe and independent in the future. This is also a time when we might find medical problems early, when they're easier to care for. 

If possible, bring: 

• Medical and immunization (shot) records. If you don’t have these, ask your current provider to send them to us before your appointment.  
• Information about you and your family’s health history. This may help us understand your chances of having certain medical problems. 
• All of the medicines (both prescription and over the counter) that you currently take. If you can’t bring your medicines with you, bring a list of what you take and how often you take each one.  

During your visit, we’ll talk to you about your overall health and help you learn how to stay healthy. Topics we’ll cover may include: 

• Your medical records and your family’s health history  
• Current providers you see and medicines you take  
• Medical problems that you should be aware of or that can be cared for  
• Tests and shots you may need  
• Advance care planning, or making sure your loved ones know what medical care you want if you can’t speak for yourself   

If we learn about a medical problem, you may need to schedule a separate visit with your regular provider. Your provider can also answer any other questions you have and connect you to specialists, if needed. 

An advance care plan helps your loved ones know what medical care you want.  It’s used if you are unable to speak for yourself.