Show #404 Airing Sunday, 10/21/07
Medicare's putting its new members to the test...well, at least an exam. Here to explain is Dr. Alice Petrulis, chief medical officer for Ohio KePRO.
Question: I understand Medicare is offering a welcoming gift to new members. Tell us about it.
Answer: We've talked before about the importance of preventive medicine. Since 2005, Medicare has covered a Welcome to Medicare exam as a way to get Medicare beneficiaries connected with a provider.
The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and to talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy.
Question: Is there a time limit on when you can get this exam?
Answer: The one-time preventive exam must be taken in the first six months from the person's sign-up to Medicare Part B.
Question: What's included?
Answer: The physician will take your medical history and give you a physical exam.
The physician will also check to see what preventive services you may have already had or, if this is lacking, order the appropriate screenings. These screenings can include that for colorectal cancer, mammography for women, and a PSA test for men. For those with high risk, such as smokers, the physician could order testing for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Question: Should you bring anything with you to the exam?
Answer:
- Bring your medical records, especially a record of any immunizations you might have had. (If you need to get them from another doc, allow enough time.)
- Have knowledge of your family health history.
- Bring a list of all medications you are taking, why you are taking each, and the dosage (how many times a day and what amount).
Question: Is there any cost?
Answer: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the yearly Part B deductible, which is $131 for 2007.
If
this is your first Medicare service, you may meet the entire Medicare Part B deductible at this visit.
Question: Where can our viewers learn more?
Answer: You can visit our website for a one-page explanation of the items we talked about today, as well as links to other sites that are helpful resources.
You can also download this brochure from the site as well or, if you don't have Internet access, you can call our office and we will send out the brochure to you.
If you're new to Medicare, don't miss out on your Welcome to Medicare exam. To learn more, or to receive a free brochure describing the exam, call the number that's next. My thanks to Dr. Alice Petrulis.
