What are the Medicare wellness words for 2026?


Editorial team Published on

The main Medicare Wellness Visits HCPCS/CPT billing codes for 2026 are G0402, G0438, and G0439.

2026 Medicare Wellness Codes

  • G0402: Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE), also known as the "Welcome to Medicare" visit. Available only during the first 12 months of Part B enrollment.
  • G0438: Initial Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Available after the first 12 months of enrollment if you did not take the IPPE, or 12 months after the IPPE.
  • G0439: Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Completed annually (at least 11 full months after the previous AWV).

What "Wellness Words" Means

  • Cognitive/Memory Test: The phrase "wellness words" often refers to the three-word recall test used during the cognitive function screening (such as the Mini-Cog) included in the wellness visit.
  • No Fixed Word List: There is no single official set of three words required for every Medicare exam. Doctors and clinics use different validated word lists (such as banana, sunrise, chair) to check short-term memory and attention.