Medicare Wellness Visits
Carson Tahoe Medical Group offers the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, a preventive benefit available to patients enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this visit, you and your healthcare provider will review your health history, identify potential risk factors, and create a personalized plan to help you stay healthy.
To schedule a visit, please contact your Primary Care or Internal Medicine provider, or find a Carson Tahoe Medical Group provider.
Understanding Annual Wellness Visits
What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive visit focused on helping you maintain your health. During this appointment, you and your healthcare team will review your medical history, discuss your risk factors for certain conditions, and develop a personalized plan to help you stay well.
During the visit, your care team may measure your height, weight, and blood pressure, and may recommend additional screenings or services based on your individual health needs.
How Is This Different from a Physical Exam?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as a yearly physical exam. The visit focuses on preventive care and planning rather than a full physical examination.
During this visit:
- Your provider will not typically perform a full physical exam such as listening to your heart and lungs or examining other parts of your body.
- Blood tests or screenings are generally not performed during the appointment.
- If you are feeling unwell or have a medical concern, a separate
When Can I Schedule a Wellness Visit?
You can receive a “Welcome to Medicare” in the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B. After that, you are eligible for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit every year to review your health and update your personalized prevention plan.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit as a preventive benefit, there is typically no out-of-pocket costhe visit itself.
However:
- Some recommended screenings or follow-up services may require a copayment.
- If additional tests or services are provided during the same appointment that are not part of the preventive benefit, standard Medicare deductibles or copays may apply.
What Should I Bring to My Visit?
To help make your visit as productive as possible, please bring:
- A list of the members of your healthcare team, including any specialists you see
- The names of any home health agencies or medical equipment providers you use (for example, oxygen suppliers)
- The names and locations of the pharmacies you use
- A bag containing all medications you currently take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements
Your care team will use this information to help create a personalized plan to support your health and wellbeing.