Medicare appointments: which office visits are not like the others?

Are you a participant in Medicare Part B insurance? If so, Medicare has defined a few different types of office visits with your primary care providers to optimize your health and quality of medical care.

1. Welcome to Medicare visit

In the first year of your Medicare coverage, you'll schedule an introductory visit or Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE). Typically, this occurs when you turn 65. Your primary care provider -- either a physician or nurse practitioner -- will review your medical history, current health status, and future prevention plans.

In this visit, you can expect:

• A thorough review of your medical, social, and family history
• Measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure and a body mass index calculation
• A physical exam
• Administration of necessary screenings (such as a mental status exam and fall risk), vaccines, and referrals to appropriate specialized care (for colonoscopy, mammogram, or specialists)
• Hearing and vision screenings
• Discussion of advance directives and living will
• Development of a care plan for future screenings, vaccines, and management of chronic conditions

2. Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

After your first 12 months with Medicare, you'll be eligible to schedule an annual visit intended to review your health and medical history and to revise your preventative health plan. Before your appointment, you'll receive a packet of information, including the "Health Risk Assessment" that will help your visit be the most productive and beneficial for your long-term health. These appointments might be completed by your primary care provider or a licensed professional.

The visit includes:

• Measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index
• Review of current medications, health conditions, past medical history, and family medical history
• Routine screenings such as hearing, vision, acuity, mental status, or memory
• Planning for future health screenings, vaccinations, and other preventative health services

The Annual Wellness Visit is intended to be an information-gathering session only, so Medicare doesn't include a physical exam. Therefore, if you have a medical concern you'd like to have addressed, schedule a separate office visit.

Both the Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness visits are fully covered by Medicare with the exception of additional tests or screenings not included in the above list.

3. Office Visits

This category includes your routine appointments for management of chronic conditions and addressing new health concerns. The coverage of office visits is dependent on your specific Medicare plan and might require a copay or additional payment, depending on the type of visit and necessary diagnostic testing. Please contact your insurance provider for specific questions concerning service coverage.

For more information on Medicare coverage, visit the official website Medicare.gov.