Among Friends

[geezerette]

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@Icegoddess wrote:

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@Q-Checker wrote:

Are there any penalties for refusing to take the test (with original MC) ?

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There are no penalties from Medcare, but some doctors require it .  Whether it's just a money grab or not to get dinged by Medicare Advantage plans I could't say.  

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@Icegoddess 

My doctor started requiring it a year or so ago to continue to remain as a Medicare patient.  

[We rescue cats]

Mine requires it as well, and frankly I really don't mind it, especially the memory questions-I want someone to be aware of my state of mind (or lack thereof!). I fell in the shower a few years ago, when I told my doctor she sent a senior assessment person to my home. She reviewed the shower, stairways, floors. . . and made several recommendations. They then sent a worker to my house to tighten banisters, installed grab bars in the showers and recommended that we put in a walk-in shower and a few other things. My cost was zero and I appreciated it.

[ciao_bella]

FYI.... Medicare Wellness exams are OPTIONAL and Voluntary in every state.  Declining will NOT affect your Mediare eligibility or coverage.  

It is NOT legal for doctors to require the optional Medicare Wellness exam. It's voluntary!   If a doctor is doing this, it's only for the extra money involved with billing Medicare.  Might be time for a patient to seek another doctor/practice. 

[Pook]

All that money could be used to really help medically.  I call them flunky or lazy nurses that are used cause it is easy work!!!  

[jackthebear]

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@Meowingkitty wrote:

It's a joke. This time instead of repeating 3 words or drawing a clock I had to walk 4 steps to the door and walk back and sit down. 

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Actually watching someone walk can tell the Dr alot

are you able to get up? and walk is your gait steady...
can you follow instructions etc

[deeva]

My pcp performs a full exam when I see her for my wellness visit. She doesn't do the clock or numbers thing. She checks my vitals reviews my labs that I have done before my visit. 

She also checks my breasts, lungs, pelvic and PAP if I want one. 
When I get my msn from Medicare, it's all billed as a wellness exam. 
She has been my doctor long before I went on Medicare. 

[kaydee50]

Did it once years ago, haven't done it again.  Try to stay away from the medical profession and only go to a doctor when I have a specific problem.

[CelticCrafter]

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@geezerette wrote:

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@Icegoddess wrote:

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@Q-Checker wrote:

Are there any penalties for refusing to take the test (with original MC) ?

---

There are no penalties from Medcare, but some doctors require it .  Whether it's just a money grab or not to get dinged by Medicare Advantage plans I could't say.  

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@Icegoddess 

My doctor started requiring it a year or so ago to continue to remain as a Medicare patient.  

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@Icegoddess  & @Q-Checker require an annual physical or the Medicare Wellness Exam?

FYI, they are two different things.

As someone else stated, they cannot require you to agree to the Medicare Wellness Exam in order to remain a patient.

[geezerette]

Yes, a doctor can generally refuse to treat a Medicare patient for non-emergencies if they don't participate in Medicare or if the patient declines specific services like the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), but they must be clear about this upfront, and you have the right to find another provider who will see you, as the AWV isn't mandatory for coverage. Doctors have freedom to choose patients, but ethically should provide referrals if refusing non-emergency care, and must treat emergencies regardless. 

[catter70]

I'm not a fan. In fact I have an appt. tomorrow and that will be included.