Welcome to Medicare preventive visit in Hudson and Trinity, 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. Our Hudson and Trinity 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 family history
• A review of your current medications and supplements
• Routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure
• A review of your ability to handle daily activities and your home safety
• A review of mood and memory
• 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

Depending on your health, your provider may recommend other tests, such as an EKG or lab work. 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.

After this visit, you can continue with a yearly Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, which keeps your prevention plan current each year.

How it differs from a yearly physical

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 with cost sharing. Tell the scheduling team what you would like to cover so the right visit is booked.

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 Medicare covers 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

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is covered under Medicare Part B. If other tests or services are done during the visit, cost sharing may apply. Medicare Advantage plans may have their own rules. Please call the office to verify your coverage before your visit.

Frequently asked questions