You’ve done your research and enrolled in Medicare. Now, you can start to use your coverage to improve your health.
But where should you begin?
Welcome to Medicare
The first thing you’ll want to do is schedule a “Welcome to Medicare” visit during your first 12 months on Medicare.
You’ll pay nothing for this preventative visit under Medicare Part B, if your doctor accepts assignment, meaning they’ll take full payment for the service from Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) also covers a free “Welcome to Medicare” visit, but you’ll need to make sure your doctor is in your plan’s network.
With either coverage, you won’t have to pay a deductible, coinsurance or copay unless your doctor performs tests and services beyond the standard welcome visit. If your doctor suggests something extra, ask why the doctor recommends it, whether Medicare covers it and what it will cost you.
Learn more about Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage.
How do I schedule my visit?
When you make your appointment, let your doctor know this is your “Welcome to Medicare” visit. You’ll also want ensure your visit is free of charge.
If you’re on Original Medicare, that means asking whether your doctor accepts assignment. If you have Medicare Advantage, check that your doctor is in your plan’s network.
NewPrimaryCare.com can help you find a primary care doctor in your area who accepts Medicare and provides value-based care.
Learn how to find a primary care doctor.
What do I need to bring?
At your “Welcome to Medicare” visit you’ll want to give your doctor a clear view of your medical history. Be sure to bring your:
- Medicare or Medicare Advantage card.
- Medical and immunization records.
- Family health history.
- List of prescription drugs, supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications, including how much you take, how often and why.
What happens at the appointment?
Your doctor will review your medical and personal history, and talk about how preventative services can improve your health.
The doctor also will:
- Record your height, weight and blood pressure.
- Calculate your body mass index (BMI).
- Test your vision.
- Review your risk for depression and your level of safety.
- Talk about specific health screenings and vaccinations.
- Offer to discuss making advance directives that explain how you want medical decisions made when you can’t communicate.
- Make referrals for other care, if needed.
- Give you a written plan of follow-up care and preventative services, such as screenings and vaccinations.
What happens next?
Based on your welcome visit, your doctor may recommend follow-up services and preventative care.
After you’ve had Medicare for 12 months, you will qualify for annual wellness visits. Like your “Welcome to Medicare” visit, these visits are free.
The annual wellness visit will give you and your doctor a chance to update your health information and tailor your personal wellness plan.
How can NewPrimaryCare.com help me find a Medicare doctor?
NewPrimaryCare.com makes it easy for you to find a primary care doctor in your area who accepts Medicare and practices value-based care. Value-based care means Medicare rewards our doctors for helping their patients get better.
Our provider partners have time to connect with their patients, understand their needs and develop personalized treatment plans.
Also, with a value-based care provider, you can expect quicker appointment scheduling and shorter waits at the doctor’s office.
Use our Find Your Doctor tool to search for and compare value-based care providers near you.
