How to Prepare for Your Medicare Exam

If you have Medicare, you’re eligible to have an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) each year. This Medicare exam isn’t the same as the annual physical you may be used to, so it can be helpful to know how to prepare and what to expect.   

At Wasatch Peak Family Practice and Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, our board-certified providers specialize in these annual Medicare exams, which help your team create a comprehensive prevention plan for the year.    

Our providers also understand that the many different appointments and health exams you may experience can be confusing. To help you navigate the Medicare stream, we’re put together this guide covering how to prepare and what to expect when you have your AWV. 

What is the Medicare exam?

It’s important to understand that your annual Medicare exam isn’t the same as a routine physical, which is not covered by Medicare. Instead, to help prevent medical and health conditions from developing, Annual Wellness Visits were added to Medicare under the Affordable Care Act to help with early detection and prevention. Each eligible AWV is covered by Medicare, so you don’t have to worry about a bill or copay when you come in for your exam. 

Sometimes your provider may recommend additional diagnostic testing or lab work that is separate from your AWV and that you may have to pay for. Rest assured that your Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours provider reviews these items and expected costs with you before ordering them.

To be eligible for an AWV, you must:

• Have had Medicare with Part B coverage for at least 12 months
• Not have had an AWV within the past 12 months

In addition, you must wait at least 12 months from the time of your one-time Welcome to Medicare visit. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for an AWV or if you need the one-time welcome exam, contact the team at Wasatch Peak Family Practice and Oceans Contours. 

How do I prepare for my AWV?

Taking a few minutes to prepare for your AWV can mean a more successful visit. Here’s a look at some ways you can get ready for this important exam:

• Complete and bring your Health Risk Assessment
• Bring your Medicare card and state-issued ID
• Create and bring a complete list of all medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take
• Come prepared to discuss your top two or three health concerns or topics of interest
• Bring all medical records from visits since your last AWV at our practice (e.g., ER trips, urgent care visits, hospitalization)

In addition, for patients with chronic conditions or who are concerned about memory loss or cognitive decline, it’s helpful to bring a family member or friend to the exam. 

What can I expect at my Medicare exam?

If this is your first Annual Wellness Visit with a provider at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours, you can expect your team member to spend time creating a personalized prevention plan with your input. 

You can also expect your provider to review your Health Risk Assessment, which gives them key information about your health as well as points of discussion during your exam. 

It may be helpful to know that AWV appointments are similar to physicals you’ve had in the past, with your provider asking you about your medical history and any questions or concerns you have. However, at your AWV, your provider will also ask you questions about your memory, daily routine, and perform additional age-related screenings. 

Some of the specific measurements and tests you can expect include:

• Measuring your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
• Evaluating your blood pressure 
• Checking for any cognitive impairment
• Assessing your risk factors for mood disorders
• Evaluating your functional ability and safety (fall risk)
• Providing a vision and hearing screening

Based on your needs and interests, your provider may also give you advice or a referral for any relevant health topics that arise, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, or help with chronic conditions. 

Get ready for your annual Medicare exam by contacting your provider at Wasatch Peak Family Practice and Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah. You can also send us a message to request an appointment online at your convenience.