Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
For patients with Medicare coverage, an annual wellness visit aids in developing or updating a personalized plan to help prevent disease and disability. Medicare will cover the costs of this assessment.
What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (MAW)?
The Medicare Annual Wellness visit is your yearly visit which is a free Medicare benefit. This is the opportunity for you and your provider to review your medical history, risk factors, prevention plan, and screening plan to stay well. This is a no-touch visit and does NOT include a physical examination. After this visit, you and your provider will discuss if/when a comprehensive visit is scheduled.
What to expect during your MAW:
- Height and weight measurement check
- Blood pressure check
- Assessment of risk factors and identifying the need for any further tests or screening
- Health risk assessment review
- Review and update lists of providers and prescriptions
- Review signs of cognitive impairment
- Screening schedule set-up for appropriate preventive services (as needed)
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit vs. Annual Physical: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and a traditional annual physical can help you make informed decisions about your care, and avoid unexpected costs.
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a no-cost benefit covered once every 12 months for Medicare Part B enrollees. It focuses on prevention, including a health risk assessment, cognitive screening, medication review, and personalized health planning. However, it does not include a hands-on physical exam or lab tests.
An Annual Physical, on the other hand, is a comprehensive checkup involving a physical exam, lab work, screenings, and treatment for new or existing issues. These visits are not fully covered by Original Medicare and may incur out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan.
Want to learn more? View the full comparison chart
We’re here to help!
We have worked to streamline the process so your visit can be quick and painless. Our new process involves calling you prior to your visit to complete screening questions. This step saves you time filling out paperwork before or during your visit. The phone conversation will be scheduled with you and takes 15-20 minutes to complete all the components necessary for billing this visit as a MAW.
CONTACT US
Toll-Free: 800-631-1811
Make an Appointment: 218-631-3510 or Schedule Online
Local and Statewide Medicare Resources
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’ve compiled a helpful resource guide to connect you with local and statewide services that can support your Medicare enrollment and planning needs.
This document includes contacts for independent Medicare brokers near the Wadena area, details on Medicare Advantage plans available locally, and access to Minnesota Aging Pathways, a statewide service that connects older Minnesotans and their caregivers with the resources and support they need. From health insurance counseling to housing options and long-term care planning, these resources are here to help.