Welcome to Medicare visit in Trinity and Hudson, FL

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is a one time appointment for people new to Medicare Part B. It is also called the Initial Preventive Physical Examination, and some people call it the Welcome to Medicare exam, although it is a review and planning visit rather than a full physical exam. Our Trinity and Hudson offices use this visit to get to know your health, review your history and medications, and create a clear plan for screenings and preventive care as you begin Medicare. It is available once, within the first 12 months of having Part B.

What the Welcome to Medicare visit includes

This visit is a starting point. It gives you and your provider a shared picture of your health and a plan for the years ahead. It may include:

• A review of your medical and social history
• A review of your current medications and supplements
• Routine measurements: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure, plus a simple vision test
• A review of your ability to handle daily activities and your home safety
• A review of your risk for depression
• A review of risk factors for substance use, such as alcohol and tobacco use
• Information about recommended screenings and vaccines
• A written checklist of the preventive services that fit your needs
• Discussion of advance care planning, if you would like

These elements follow the Welcome to Medicare preventive visit as described by Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab) and CMS. A check on memory and thinking is part of the yearly Annual Wellness Visit instead. Depending on your health, your provider may recommend other tests, such as an EKG or lab work, or a referral for other care. These may be billed separately.

What to expect at your visit

Bring your Medicare card, a photo ID, a list of all medications and supplements (or the bottles), the names of your other doctors, and any recent records or test results. If you are new to the practice, arrive a little early to complete new patient forms.

The visit usually begins with a health questionnaire, followed by time with your provider to review the answers and your history. Your provider will take basic measurements, talk through any concerns, and explain which screenings are due now and which can wait. Before you leave, you will have a written plan and know when to schedule your next visit.

How it differs from routine medical care

The Welcome to Medicare visit focuses on review, education, and planning. It does not replace a full physical exam or visits for specific health problems. If you have a new symptom or an ongoing condition that needs attention, your provider can address it, and that care may be billed separately. Tell the scheduling team what you would like to cover so the right visit is booked.

Welcome to Medicare visit vs. Annual Wellness Visit

These two Medicare visits work together, one after the other:

After this visit, you can continue with a yearly Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. For a fuller side by side explanation, read our guide to the Welcome to Medicare visit vs. the Annual Wellness Visit.

Welcome to Medicare visits in Trinity, FL

The Welcome to Medicare visit is offered at our Trinity primary care office at 3633 Little Rd, Suite 103. The Trinity care team includes Amanda Durrett, APRN, FNP-BC, and Dr. John Hanna, MD, who alternates weeks between our two offices. The scheduling team will match your visit with an available provider.

Welcome to Medicare visits in Hudson, FL

The visit is also offered at our Hudson office at 14153 Yosemite Dr., Suite 104. The Hudson care team includes Miranda McWhirter, APRN, AGACNP-BC, and Dr. Hanna on alternating weeks.

Starting care with us at your Welcome to Medicare visit

If you recently enrolled in Medicare Part B and are looking for a new primary care team, the Welcome to Medicare preventive visit can be a natural first appointment with us. Medicare describes this visit as available within the first 12 months you have Part B (Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab)). New patients age 18 and older are welcome. Appointment availability is determined by the office.

How to schedule as a new patient

1. Call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635 or the Hudson office at (727) 605-3000, or send an appointment request.
2. Tell the team you are new to the practice and would like a Welcome to Medicare visit, and share your Part B start date if you know it.
3. The team will check your plan participation and help you choose the right visit type before your appointment.

What to bring to your first visit

• Your Medicare card and any Medicare Advantage or supplemental plan card
• A photo ID
• All of your medications, vitamins, and supplements, or a current list with doses
• Names and contact details for your other doctors, specialists, and pharmacy
• Recent lab results, imaging reports, or records you have at home
• Your vaccine records, if you have them
• Your glasses or hearing aids, and a short list of questions you would like to discuss

After your first visit

Your provider explains which screenings and follow up visits fit your health and your plan. Each year after, you can schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit to update your prevention plan. Ongoing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes are usually managed at separate visits with the same care team, so your history stays in one chart.

Who this care is for

This visit is for people who have had Medicare Part B for less than 12 months. It is a good fit if you:

• Recently turned 65 or recently enrolled in Part B
• Are looking for a new primary care home as you start Medicare
• Want to understand which screenings and vaccines are recommended for you
• Take several medications and want them reviewed together
• Live with ongoing conditions and want a plan from the start

After your first 12 months of Part B, the yearly Annual Wellness Visit is the right choice.

Insurance and coverage

Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab) states that you pay nothing for the Welcome to Medicare preventive visit itself when your provider accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible does not apply to the visit. Additional tests, services or treatment provided during the same visit may have separate costs, such as coinsurance or the Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plan rules and costs can differ. Coverage depends on your plan. Contact the office to verify participation. Please call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635 or the Hudson office at (727) 605-3000 to verify your coverage before your visit. If you are new to Medicare, our article on choosing a primary care doctor with Medicare covers Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplements. Already enrolled and comparing plans for next year? See what to review during Medicare Annual Enrollment.

Frequently asked questions

This content is provided for general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical needs and treatment options vary from person to person. If you have questions about your health or whether a service may be appropriate for you, contact Internal Medicine MD to speak with a member of the care team or schedule an appointment with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.