{"id":37439,"date":"2021-02-01T10:42:07","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T17:42:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=37439"},"modified":"2024-08-05T13:17:05","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T19:17:05","slug":"does-medicare-cover-preventive-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/does-medicare-cover-preventive-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Medicare cover preventive care?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Understanding Medicare coverage of preventive medicine, which focuses on promoting health and wellness and preventing illness and disease, is essential. As the population ages, preventive care and services like health screenings are especially important for older adults who face an increased risk for health issues.<\/p>\n

\"A
Understanding how Medicare covers preventive care is essential for the well-being of seniors. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Often concerned with cost, more than half of the nation\u2019s seniors aren\u2019t up to date with preventive care recommended by their doctor. But skipping these visits could come at the price of an individual\u2019s health; effective treatment for illness and disease often depends on timely diagnosis.<\/p>\n

The good news is some preventive screenings and services for adults 65 and older<\/a> are covered by Medicare. The difference is how Medicare defines those preventive services isn\u2019t the same as private insurance. For example, Medicare doesn\u2019t cover annual \u201chead to toe\u201d physical examinations. Instead, benefits include an initial \u201cwelcome\u201d preventive visit, followed by yearly wellness visits.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.
Dr. Deepak Honaganahalli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWhen a patient with private insurance comes for their annual physical, it usually covers a wellness portion and an acute illness portion \u2014 with the exception of addressing and evaluating a significant acute illness,\u201d said Dr. Deepak Honaganahalli<\/a>, an internal medicine physician at UCHealth Primary Care \u2013 Greenwood Village<\/a>. \u201cMedicare doesn\u2019t consider the discussion of ailments, beyond the scope of managing pre-existing conditions, part of the annual wellness visit, so patients may incur a co-pay or other charges for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before making appointments for preventive services, seniors should have a firm grasp on what is covered by Medicare so they know what services they are entitled to and what to expect. More details about what to expect and what is covered in the \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d preventive visit is available on Medicare\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Does Medicare cover a preventive visit?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Medicare Part B enrollees are eligible for one \u201cWelcome to Medicare\u201d preventive visit within the first 12 months of their coverage. This is a once-a-lifetime visit, which may also be referred to as an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE). This visit is performed by your doctor and typically includes:<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n