Medicare Annual Wellness Visits A visit that keeps your health on track

  • A healthcare provider in scrubs writes notes on a clipboard during a patient visit.
  • A patient smiles while talking with a doctor holding a tablet during a Medicare Wellness Visit.

At UTMB Health, your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is more than a check-up—it’s your time to plan for the year ahead. Together, you and your care team will talk about your health goals, review your medications, and look for ways to prevent future problems. You’ll also get personalized guidance on screenings, vaccines, and resources to help you stay active and independent. Our goal is to give you the tools and support you need to make the most of your Medicare benefits and protect your long-term health.

To schedule, contact your primary care provider’s office or call (409) 747-0656.

Call to Schedule Your Visit
Cost, Benefits & What to Expect
Getting Ready for Your Visit
FAQs

Cost, Benefits & What to Expect

Cost & Eligibility
  • Free with Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage
  • Available once every 12 months
Benefits
  • Better communication with your healthcare team
  • Earlier detection of potential health problems
  • Lower overall healthcare costs
What to Expect
  • A review of your health history, medicines, and care team
  • Advice on screenings, vaccines, and healthy habits
  • Blood pressure, height, and weight checks
  • Memory, fall risk, and home safety screening
  • A conversation about your goals and long-term health
  • Support with advance care planning (like a Medical Power of Attorney or Living Will)

Getting Ready for Your Visit

In Person Visits
  • Complete your Health Risk Assessment ahead of time in MyChart, by phone, or on paper at the clinic. Please arrive 20 minutes early if you plan to do it on paper.
  • Bring a list of your current medications and supplements
  • Bring a copy of any Advance Care Planning documents you may have (like Medical Power of Attorney or Living Will)

 Frequently Asked Questions.

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  • Why should I have a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

    Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is free every year with Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage. Research shows that people who complete their annual wellness visit often experience:

    • Better communication with their healthcare team
    • Earlier detection of potential health problems
    • Lower overall healthcare costs
  • What is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
    This is a preventive check-in with your primary care team that focuses on your overall health. It gives you and your doctor time to talk about things that may not come up during a regular visit. Together, you’ll look for any health risks and create a personalized plan to help you stay healthy. The visit also gives your doctor some baseline measures to track your health over time.
  • What does it cost?

    The Annual Wellness Visit is free if you have Medicare Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan and have not had a Wellness Visit or “Welcome to Medicare” visit in the past 12 months.

    If you need tests or treatments beyond the wellness visit, you may have a copay or deductible. If you’re not sure about your coverage, contact our office or your insurance provider.

  • What will happen during my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

    During your visit, your health care team will:

    • Provide individualized information about preventive services due, including cancer screenings and immunizations or screening lab or imaging tests
    • Update your medical history and current medications
    • Review your list of current care providers, including sources of equipment
    • Screen for memory and behavioral changes
    • Discuss physical function, home safety, and risk for falls
    • Screen for social factors that may impact your health
    • Check your blood pressure, height, and weight
    • Assist with Advance Care Planning like establishing a Medical Power of Attorney or Advanced Directive
    • Provide referrals and resources as needed
    • For the "Welcome to Medicare" visit, perform a vision test
  • What is not included in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
    • Physical examination
    • Diagnostic tests like EKGs, and most lab and imaging tests
    • Illness diagnosis
    • Treatment for acute or chronic conditions
  • How do I prepare for my In-Person Annual Wellness Visit?
    • To help us prepare for your visit, please complete your Health Risk Assessment ahead of time. You can do this in MyChart through your account, by phone when a UTMB staff member calls you, or by filling out a paper form at the clinic. If you plan to complete it at the clinic, be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes early.
    • Bring your medications or a medication list including any supplements, vitamins, and medicated drops or creams. Also bring copies of Advance Care Planning documents like:
      • Medical Power of Attorney
      • Directive to Physician (also called Advanced Directive or Living Will)
      • Out of Hospital DNR

Contact Us

To schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, check when you’re eligible, or get answers to your questions, reach out to your primary care provider’s office or call UTMB Primary Care Services at (409) 747-0656.