Do you do the Medicare Annual Wellness Check?

[DHH]

I did them for a couple of years when I first got on Medicare, but stopped as I think they’re silly and, frankly, as a retired Fed, I don’t trust the government. (Cue Twilight Zone music.) My tax dollars would be better spent on Medicare paying for an annual physical. They don’t even pay for annual preventative check-ups.

What are your thoughts?

The three words were “apple, penny, table.”

 

[Oldeagle66]

This is the first time I even heard of it.

 

[DHH]

This is the first time I even heard of it.

From what I remember, the medical assistant takes a history, which is the same they already have. They tell you three words, and then later in the “exam” you have to repeat the words. If you don’t remember at least two, I guess you have problems. They also ask you to draw a clock with a certain time on it. That’s about it, unless my memory is bad and I don’t remember.

 

[jim_slim]

From what I remember, the medical assistant takes a history, which is the same they already have. They tell you three words, and then later in the “exam” you have to repeat the words. If you don’t remember at least two, I guess you have problems. They also ask you to draw a clock with a certain time on it. That’s about it, unless my memory is bad and I don’t remember.

This year was the first time I did one and it was exactly as you described.

 

[hawkdon]

I just did the test Monday at the doc's....didn't go as well as
I hoped, but it is what it is....i am 86 yr old, what does anyone
expect.....

 

[IrishEyes]

I decline any home visits. Makes me feel like there is no trust between Medical reports
of each place. I also feel like it's a tracking thing to push me into a care facility before I
am ready. I do them yearly at my Dr office and that should be good enough.
He knows me better than some paid paper pusher who I may or not see ever again.

 

[C50]

I have one every year at my doctors office, mine consist of blood test as well as cognitive test. I find it a good way to track my general health so plan on continuing them.

I got a kick out of the memory test, my doc tells me an address to remember and for three years the address was 321 Main St. Last year as soon as she said she was giving me an address I said 321 Main St., she laughed and said good enough, she promised next it will be different.

 

[JustDave]

I did them for a couple of years when I first got on Medicare, but stopped as I think they’re silly and, frankly, as a retired Fed, I don’t trust the government. (Cue Twilight Zone music.) My tax dollars would be better spent on Medicare paying for an annual physical. They don’t even pay for annual preventative check-ups.

What are your thoughts?

The three words were “apple, penny, table.”

I believe it was "apple, penny, watch." But after years and years, they changed it, because all they were testing was long term memory, which even seniors with memory issues are still pretty good at. I can't even remember what words are in the new test, because I learned it the old way, and am not that good at new things.

 

[JustDave]

But as to the Wellness, checkup, I don't anymore. It seemed like a waste of time, and life threatening issues which have come up a couple of times were never picked up with what was basically, "How are you feeling? You doing OK? Can you draw a picture of a clock? Have a nice day, we'll bill your Medicare."

 

[Muskrat]

I have never done one. I do not feel like it changes health outcomes for most persons…and the system is financially precarious. I would rather see medicare take those bilked dollars and spend them paying for actual care.

 

[katlupe]

I do one at my doctor's office and one for the insurance carrier at home (part of the at home care). I rarely go to the doctor so this is when I usually get blood work and can talk to her about whatever I want.

 

[DHH]

I decline any home visits. Makes me feel like there is no trust between Medical reports
of each place. I also feel like it's a tracking thing to push me into a care facility before I
am ready. I do them yearly at my Dr office and that should be good enough.
He knows me better than some paid paper pusher who I may or not see ever again.

These aren’t home visits. It’s done in the doctor’s office. Basically testing your cognitive abilities.

 

[DHH]

But as to the Wellness, checkup, I don't anymore. It seemed like a waste of time, and life threatening issues which have come up a couple of times were never picked up with what was basically, "How are you feeling? You doing OK? Can you draw a picture of a clock? Have a nice day, we'll bill your Medicare."

EXACTLY!

 

[IrishEyes]

Oh geesh, I need stronger coffee this morning. I was just bombarded this past week with calls about coming to my home
so I had that stuff on my mind.... my apologies to all.

 

[DebraMae]

I went in last week for what was supposed to be a follow up visit and was informed it was my wellness visit. The sheet of paper they had given me said it was a follow up. It was changed without my knowledge or consent. They tried to pretend I had just made a mistake but when I persisted the lady who sets the appointments admitted it had been changed. There's not much to choose from in health care here but I am going to try to find another place to go. This is not the first problem I have had there.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I was hounded to get an annual wellness check so I did it. It consisted of drawing a clock and a few simpleton-like questions. My UHC advantage plan refused to pay for it, so I notified my PCP's office I will not do another. The practice wrote it off as a loss. My advantage plan paid for both of my semi-annual blood work tests and doctor visits, which my doctor requires in order to continue refilling my prescriptions. As long as I get those, there is no need for a wellness check.

 

[JustDave]

I have never done one. I do not feel like it changes health outcomes for most persons…and the system is financially precarious. I would rather see medicare take those bilked dollars and spend them paying for actual care.

I've actually wondered if this was a gift from Medicare to doctors, just to encourage them not to turn away Medicare patients. I'm kind of OK with that. It might help someone, but like you I think the money could be better spent in other medical areas. Maybe like urgent care, which becomes more important as doctors take less and less time with people looking for actual help.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Mine is a telephone interview followed up as part of a semi annual office visit.

IMO they have little value but they do no harm.

Sometimes you just have to go along to get along.

 

[EmptyCup]

I do it every year. They do a lot of tests, more than required for wellness. I want to know the numbers, especially cholesterol and A1C/glucose. Those are problem areas for the paternal side of my family. So far I am staying in the green zone. And of course, the cognitive test. I still remember the words from the previous years. I should tell her my problem is remembering everything. That is a blessing and a curse.