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Medicare “Physical” Vs. ”Wellness Visit.” Understanding The Differences Can Save You Money

Medicare “Physical” Vs. ”Wellness Visit.” Understanding The Differences Can Save You Money

Medicare covers preventative care services, including an annual wellness visit. But confusing a wellness visit with a physical could be very expensive.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries receive a free annual wellness visit. At this visit, your doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant will generally do the following:

  • Ask you to fill out a health risk assessment questionnaire
  • Update your medical history and current prescriptions
  • Measure your height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index
  • Provide personalized health advice
  • Create a screening schedule for the next 5 to 10 years
  • Screen for cognitive issues

You do not have to pay a deductible for this visit. You may also receive other free preventative services, such as a flu shot.

The confusion arises when a Medicare beneficiary requests an “annual physical” instead of an “annual wellness visit.”

During a physical, a doctor may do other tests that are outside of an annual wellness visit, such as check vital signs, perform lung or abdominal exams, test your reflexes, or order urine and blood samples. These services are not offered for free and Medicare beneficiaries will have to pay co-pays and deductibles when they receive a physical. Kaiser Health News recently related the story of a Medicare recipient who had what she assumed was a free physical only to get a $400 bill from her doctor’s office.

Myrna Serrano Setty, Esq.

Attorney Myrna Serrano Setty is a Florida attorney with substantial experience helping aging Floridians access long-term care with effective Medicaid Planning. Every Floridian deserves access to the same rights and resources when dealing with the cost of aging; resources attorney Myrna Serrano Setty aims to render more accessible with clear and careful explanations.

Connect with The Law Firm Of Myrna Serrano Setty, P.A. to follow the latest developments in Medicaid planning and access so that neither you nor no one you love will be deprived of the care you need in your twilight years.

Call Now to Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Discovery Call (813) 686-7175


Adding to the confusion is that when you first enroll, Medicare covers a “welcome to Medicare” visit with your doctor.

To avoid co-pays and deductibles, you need to schedule it within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. The visit covers the same things as the annual wellness visit, but it also covers screenings and flu shots, a vision test, review of risk for depression, the option of creating advance directives, and a written plan, letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventative services you should get.

To avoid receiving a bill for an annual visit, when you contact your doctor’s office to schedule the appointment, be sure to request an “annual wellness visit” instead of asking for a “physical.”

The difference in wording can save you hundreds of dollars. In addition, some Medicare Advantage plans offer a free annual physical, so check with your plan if you are enrolled in one before scheduling.

This article is a service of the Law Firm of Myrna Serrano Setty, P.A. We don’t just draft documents, we help you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. Call our office today to schedule a free Planning Session. Mention this article to learn how to get this $500 session at no charge.

Myrna Serrano Setty, Esq.

Attorney Myrna Serrano Setty is a Florida attorney with substantial experience helping aging Floridians access long-term care with effective Medicaid Planning. Every Floridian deserves access to the same rights and resources when dealing with the cost of aging; resources attorney Myrna Serrano Setty aims to render more accessible with clear and careful explanations.

Connect with The Law Firm Of Myrna Serrano Setty, P.A. to follow the latest developments in Medicaid planning and access so that neither you nor no one you love will be deprived of the care you need in your twilight years.

Call Now to Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Discovery Call (813) 686-7175

Myrna Serrano Setty, Esq.

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