"Welcome to Medicare" One-time Physical Exam

Medicare covers a one-time preventive physical exam within the first 12 months that you have Medicare Part B. This exam is called the “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam.

After January 1, 2011, you do not have to pay anything for your "Welcome to Medicare" exam if your doctor accepts Medicare payments.

The physical exam includes a medical and social history review of your health, and education, and counseling about preventive services, including certain screenings, shots, and referrals for other health care if needed.

The exam is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and to talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy.

During the exam, your doctor will record your medical history, check your blood pressure, height and weight, take your body mass index measurement, and give you a simple vision test.

Your doctor will also talk to you about creating advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to put in writing what kind of health care you would want if you were too ill to speak for yourself.

Depending on your general health and medical history, further tests may be ordered. You will get advice to help you prevent disease, improve your health, and stay well. You will also get a written plan (like a checklist) letting you know which screenings and other preventive services you need.

People at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms may get a referral for a one-time screening ultrasound at their “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. If you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, are a man age 65 to 75, and you have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime, you are considered at risk. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible for this screening ultrasound.

When you go to your “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam, bring the following items:

Your medical records, including immunization records (if you are seeing a new doctor). Call your old doctor to get copies of your medical records.

Your family health history - try to learn as much as you can about your family’s health history before your appointment. Any information you can give your doctor can help determine if you are at risk for certain diseases.

A list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.

Who is covered? All people who have had Medicare Part B for 12 months or less.

How often is it covered? Only one time and you must have the exam within the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B, even if the effective date of your Part B enrollment began in 2009.

Medicare Yearly "Wellness" Physical Exam

If you have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, then you are entitled to get a yearly wellness exam. If your doctore accpets Medicare payments, then you don't pay anything for this exam. You can get your wellness exam once every 12 months.

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The official U.S. Government Medicare Web site is Medicare.gov.