Medicare Wellness Visits at Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics
If you’re like most of us, you don’t see the doctor until you’re sick. But if you are a Medicare – Part B member, you get a free Annual Wellness Visit to help you stay healthy and feel your best.
What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The visit gives you a chance to meet face-to-face with your healthcare team. It’s also their chance to learn about your medical and health history, your possible risks for certain diseases, the state of your overall health currently, and your plan for staying healthy or even improving your health.
What happens during your Medicare Annual Visit?
The visit is a combination of discussing your medical history and performing basic procedures to get a sense of your current health and wellness. You’ll provide information via a “Health Risk Assessment” Questionnaire to help your provider develop a personalized prevention plan. These visits will also include:
- Measuring your height, weight, and blood pressure
- Reviewing your medical, surgical, social history (such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug use) and family history
- Reviewing your current prescribed and over-the-counter medications
- Personalized health advice
- A screening schedule for appropriate preventive services
- Advance care planning
Our providers will also perform cognitive assessments during these visits to look for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Medicare also covers a separate visit to do a more thorough check for dementia, depression, and anxiety, and plan if needed.
When should I have the exam?
You are eligible for your first Medicare Wellness visit during the first 12 months after your enrollment in Medicare Part B. Then you are eligible again once every 12 months.
Who pays for the exam?
You, the patient pay nothing if your qualified provider accepts Medicare B assignment.
- Medicare will pay for most screening services prescribed
- You might have to pay a copayment for some follow-up services
How do I schedule my visit?
Medicare Wellness Visits can be scheduled at either of our Rural Health Clinics – Carlinville Family Health Care or Girard Family Health Care. Call your preferred location and tell them you would like to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, and they will help you plan your appointment.
Carlinville Family Health Care: 217-854-3881
Girard Family Health Care: 217-627-2222
Things to bring to your Annual Medicare Wellness Visit:
Prior to your Medicare Wellness Visit, you will receive a package of information and forms to complete and bring with you to your appointment. Some of the information we’ll be asking for includes:
- A list of healthcare providers and suppliers currently involved in your care
- Any family health history you have, in as much detail as possible
- A list of all your medications and dosages, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbals
- The names of the pharmacies you use
Why is the Medicare Wellness Visit important to my health?
The Medicare Wellness Visit is a proactive part of what we describe as preventative care. It’s what we do to help you prevent or delay medical problems. Getting preventative care saves you time, money, and the worry that may come with medical problems. If you can avoid future medical problems, you will be more independent and have a better quality of life for a longer time.
For more information and to schedule your annual Medicare Wellness Visit, call us in Carlinville at 217-854-3881 or Girard at 217-627-2222.
