Seniors: Make a plan to check up and maintain your health
Preventative care is an important part of staying healthy. Seniors on Medicare have a covered benefit each year to stay on top of their health.
“Medicare annual wellness visits are an important way for primary care doctors to work with seniors to set a plan for the year, as well as schedule important tests and screenings,” says Dr. Rick Bone, senior medical director of population health for Advocate Medical Group. “This year, video visits are an option for patients concerned with in-person visits due to COVID-19.”
There is still time to schedule your appointment before the end of the year by contacting your primary care doctor’s office. It’s important to check your Medicare plan to confirm details of coverage. You might have a copayment for additional services during the visit and for follow-up visits.
I think it’s important to point out to seniors that this is NOT a physical exam. Medicare does not pay for annual physical exams. If a senior calls their physician to schedule an annual visit thinking it is a complete physical like they used to get before they were on Medicare, they may be surprised the Wellness visit is just talking to the physician. Or they may get booked for a physical exam and then get a bill for the visit when they expected it to be a covered benefit.
No matter how old you are, any type of exercise is important. This article emphasizes the importance of senior citizens making sure they plan to check and maintain their health. Thanks for sharing!