Wellness

[chlema]

My doctor's nurse recommended that I make an appointment for a wellness exam.  She said Medicare no longer covers a physical but instead covers this.  Said you meet with a nurse and answer lots of questions.  I wonder what else they want to know since they already have my history.  Anyone do this?  Seems odd to me.

[Spacrazy]

Yep, every year.

[chlema]

What all does it entail?  Nurse really didn't give me any information.

[Kachina624]

I suppose this is the current method being used to reduce Medicare benefits  for seniors.

[SilleeMee]

I get a wellness check every year. The Affordable Care Act states you get one free one each year. Mine includes some blood work (cholesterol screening) and I ask for more tests which I pay for out of pocket...A1c is one of them. The doctor checks bp, listens to your breathing and looks inside your ears. I lay down on a table and the doctor feels my belly for whatever. After that I can ask questions about what may be concerning me and also ask what else would I need to stay healthy. Drugs and vaccines are discussed if needed as well as any other things that may need attention like a bone density scan, mammo or pelvic exam. These are things I discuss and is not part of the check. The wellness check is designed to bring attention to your health concerns and to discuss a plan of action for the future. Wellness exams are focused on preventative rather than diagnostic medicine.

[jannabelle1]

It's similar to an annual physical and is covered by Medicare. Mine is with my primary physician (not her nurse). The difference is that there is a question/answer form that is completed regarding a person's ability to take care of themselves and emotional health. My doctor knows me well enough to not belabor the form. It's not a big deal for me IMO.

[Mom2Dogs]

@chlema I would take a look at your medicare and you book.  I think it tells you what the 'visit' entails.  You could also ask at the doctors office.

From what I understand it's not much of a visit, according to my husband, and my nurse practicioner mentioned it at my last visit...I am not medicare eligible yet but she was less than impressed with the 'wellness visit'.....I'd check it out before making the appointment.

[blackhole99]

Yes, Medicare pays for 1 wellness check up every year, I don't recall if that exam includes lab work though.It's a good idea to have supplemental health insurance.

[x Hedge]

Mine is done by my doctor, the same as any other office visit. 

Someone else checks my vitals, gets my weight, reviews my meds.

They also do the eyechart exam and discuss vaccination.

Besides the physical once over, the doc asks about mood and depression, exercise, diet.

Inquires about last time I had an eye exam.

May refer you to a specialist to address chronic or reoccurring issues.

[SilleeMee]

The last time I had my wellness check I asked what blood tests would be included. I was told cholesterol and diabetes screening tests were included. But I was also told that depending on your condition, for instance an existing condition or disease, there can be additional test added to your exam where some may or may not be covered by your insurance. Your provider has to assess what all need to be done in order to keep you from getting ill and that might mean they can recommend seeing a specialist or request more tests to rule things out...these based on whether or not you are basically showing a need for further care. If you appear to be in good heath then there would be no further needs.