Is the welcome to Medicare visit the same as an annual wellness visit?

Asked by: Cole Durgan  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (19 votes)

The yearly “Wellness” visit isn't a physical exam. Your first yearly “Wellness” visit can't take place within 12 months of your Part B enrollment or your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. However, you don't need to have had a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit to qualify for a yearly “Wellness” visit.

What is the difference between a welcome to Medicare visit and a wellness visit?

The “Welcome to Medicare” visit is an initial consultation that provides the doctor with baseline measurements for monitoring a person's health. Healthcare professionals use these initial measurements for comparison in subsequent annual wellness visits (AWVs) and other appointments to assess health status over time.

What are the three types of Medicare wellness visits?

There are three types of visits:
  • Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE)
  • Initial Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
  • Subsequent AWVs.

What is the difference between a Medicare wellness exam and an annual exam?

While a physical includes a full examination and a wellness evaluation, an Annual Wellness Visits focuses solely on a patient's answers to a health risk assessment. It does not typically include any lab work or tests requiring physical contact.

Does a welcome to Medicare visit include bloodwork?

No. The IPPE and AWV don't include clinical lab tests, but you may make appropriate referrals for these tests as part of the IPPE or AWV.

What are Medicare's Rules and Requirements for Annual Wellness Visits (AWV)?

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What is not included in a Medicare wellness visit?

Annual Wellness Visits do not include: A physical exam. Diagnosing of new conditions. Treatment of existing or new conditions.

Who pays for the welcome to Medicare visit?

Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers one “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within the first 12 months you have Part B.

Can you refuse a Medicare wellness visit for seniors?

People can refuse a Medicare annual wellness visit, but it is worth considering the potential benefits. Wellness visits can help healthcare professionals detect health issues early on and are an important part of preventive care.

How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors?

Medicare does not limit the number of times a person can consult their doctor, but it may limit how often they can have a particular test and access other services. Individuals can contact Medicare directly at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to discuss physician coverage in further detail.

What is required for a Medicare annual wellness visit?

Do I need to do anything before my annual wellness visit? Yes. You should complete a "health risk assessment," a questionnaire that will be available in your MyChart account 14 days before your appointment. If we don't see your finished assessment in MyChart, we will call you to complete it.

How often will Medicare pay for a wellness exam?

With Medicare Part B, you can get a wellness visit once a year at no cost to you. Check to make sure the doctor or nurse accepts Medicare when you schedule your appointment.

Is bloodwork part of a wellness visit?

Does a Wellness Exam Include Blood Work? Yes, a wellness exam can include blood work. However, it's important to note that the specific tests conducted during a wellness exam may vary from person to person.

Is an EKG included in the welcome to Medicare visit?

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) screenings

Part B covers an EKG or ECG (as a one-time screening with a referral from your doctor as part of your "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit and as a diagnostic test.)...

Are Medicare annual wellness visits free?

Medicare Part B, the visits are free if you go to a health care professional who takes Medicare. You will not have to pay coinsurance, copayments, or a deductible. also include treatments for a condition you already have. Why Should My Annual Wellness Visit Be with My Regular Primary Health Care Professional?

Is a breast exam part of a Medicare wellness visit?

Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to check for cervical and vaginal cancers. As part of the pelvic exam, Medicare also covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer.

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

Word recollection (Banana, Sunrise, Chair) Have patient repeat the 3 words, tell them to remember them.

What is the difference between Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visit?

The yearly “Wellness” visit isn't a physical exam.

Your first yearly “Wellness” visit can't take place within 12 months of your Part B enrollment or your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. However, you don't need to have had a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit to qualify for a yearly “Wellness” visit.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What is not covered in a Medicare annual wellness visit?

Medicare does not cover Annual Wellness Visits if they are used to discuss, plan, or alter treatment for pre-diagnosed chronic illnesses, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or arthritis.

What questions are asked at the Medicare Wellness exam?

At your Medicare annual wellness visit, your health care provider will: Review your blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Review your current health problems, as well as your medical, surgical, family and social histories. Review your current medications.

How do you pass a wellness test?

6 Ways To Prepare For Your Wellness Screening
  1. Fast Eight Hours If Possible. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, fasting is one of the best ways to ensure accurate results. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Avoid Alcohol. ...
  4. Take Prescribed Medications. ...
  5. Manage Your Stress. ...
  6. Review Program Details.

Why doesn't Medicare pay for annual physicals?

Annual physicals aren't covered by traditional Medicare because they are excluded by the federal law that governs Medicare. All Medicare plans cover a Welcome to Medicare exam during your first 12 months with Medicare and in subsequent years, an annual wellness exam.

How long should a Medicare wellness visit take?

What to expect at your annual visit. The visit will take about 40 minutes. You won't have to change into a gown since the visit does not include a physical exam. You and your PCP will talk about your health history, questionnaire responses and risks for certain conditions.