One-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is a one-time appointment you can choose to receive within the first 12 months you are enrolled in Medicare. The aim of the visit is to establish a baseline for your medical care, promote general health, and help prevent diseases.

What you can do

Be prepared to discuss your past and current health.

• Take up to date medical records, including any immunization records.
• Take a list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications in case your doctor does not have that list readily available.
• Take any relevant family medical history or current health/lifestyle factors that may impact your current care plan or future needs.

Preventive service at no cost

Your doctor will:

• Record and evaluate your medical and family history, current health conditions, and prescriptions.
• Check your blood pressure, vision, weight, and height to get a baseline for your care.
• Make sure you're up-to-date with preventive screenings and services, like cancer screenings and shots.
• Order further tests, depending on your general health and medical history.

After the visit, your doctor will give you a plan or checklist with free screenings and preventive services that you need.

Why screening is important

A personalized prevention plan is a way to improve your health. It helps you understand what preventive services you need and why.

What the screening is

Wellness visits are opportunities for you to have face-to-face time with your primary care physician to review your health history and make health plans for the future. It is not a physical exam. It does not include bloodwork, lab work, or more advance testing.

Treatment

If services or tests are ordered as a result of these wellness visits, such as laboratory or radiology, these services will be subject to the regular copays or deductibles associated with your plan.