Medicare covers a yearly Wellness Visit but not an Annual Physical
The Medicare Wellness exam includes the assessments, but none of the “physical” tests where the doctor has to physically touch you. Under Medicare, a doctor will only perform these types of services if there is a specific diagnosis or symptom which necessitates that type of examination.
It does not appear that any Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) coverage includes an annual physical.
Any additional tests or labs that may be required as a result of the findings of your annual wellness visit would be billed separately by your doctor and would fall under a different benefit than your annual wellness visit.
It is possible you will want to schedule a physical on a regular basis in addition to the Medicare Wellness exam.
It is possible issues will be detected with a physical that would not be detected with a Medicare Wellness exam.
As reported by Kaiser Health News, an annual physical could result in unexpected cost. In the article, a 67 year old woman went to the doctor for her annual checkup. She assumed her Medicare coverage would cover most of the visit. She received a bill for $400.00. Even a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan may not cover the annual physical. Some Medicare Advantage Plans cover an annual physical.
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Here are some of the assessments that are typically performed during a yearly Wellness Visit.
Doctor will measure height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements
Doctor will review your medical and family history
Doctor will assess your risk factors and treatment options
Review Health Risk Assessment questionnaire
Updating list of providers and prescriptions
Looking for signs of cognitive impairment
Doctor will set up a screening schedule for appropriate preventive services
- Annual Physical
Here are some of the assessments and tests that are typically performed during an annual physical.
Doctor will measure height and weight
Doctor will take your blood pressure
Doctor will measure BMI
Doctor will review your medical and family history
Doctor will assess your risk factors for preventable diseases
Doctor will check vital signs
Doctor will perform head and neck exam
Doctor will perform lung exam
Doctor will perform abdominal exam
Doctor will perform neurological exam
Doctor will test your reflexes
Doctor may submit urine and blood samples for lab testing