Starting this year, a number of preventive services will be fully paid by Medicare. These free preventive services are the following:
» screenings for abdominal aortic aneurysm, cardiovascular conditions, colorectal cancer, diabetes and HIV
» bone mass measurements
» flu shots, pneumococcal shots and hepatitis B shots
» mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams for women
» counseling for smoking cessation, fall prevention and nutrition
» a Welcome to Medicare exam for those new to Medicare
» an annual wellness visit for those who have not had the Welcome to Medicare exam within the last year
Some Medicare Advantage plans may not fully cover these services until 2012. It is best to check with the Medicare Advantage plan first.
The annual wellness visit is a new feature that can potentially boost the well-being of seniors dramatically by allowing a doctor to develop a long-term history for the patient, to document other health care providers and suppliers of medical services, and to establish a written screening schedule or checklist for the future. During these visits, the doctor will not only conduct the usual measurements and assessments such as height, weight and blood pressure, but will also take an inventory of the medications the patient is taking and check for signs of depression and cognitive impairment.
The drug inventory is especially important. Many seniors see several doctors, and it is important that they not be taking medications or supplements that can be dangerous when taken in combination with others. Some medications can also produce side effects that resemble illnesses, prompting unnecessary or inappropriate treatment.
In spite of the fact that this visit can be of enormous benefit, from Jan. 1 of this year through June 20, only about 800,000 out of a possible 48 million beneficiaries have taken advantage of it.
It is important to know that certain preventive services are not free under the wellness visit and that conditions discovered during these visits that require further treatment fall under usual Medicare billing. Some colorectal screenings such as colonoscopies require co-pays, as do PSA tests. Medicare supplement plans will cover most of these expenses. The shingles vaccine is not covered although it is usually provided under a Part D drug plan.
If you have problems or questions about the new preventive services, the annual wellness exam, or Medicare in general, you can call Southern Financial Consultants at 1-877-272-7562 or visit www.MyTNmedicare.com to get free assistance in navigating Medicare.
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