Medicare Physical Examination

New for 2005

Beginning in 2005, all newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries will be covered for an initial physical examination.

The initial preventive physical exam includes:

• measurement of height, weight and blood pressure
• an electrocardiogram
• education, counseling and referral related to other preventive services covered by Medicare including vaccinations, screening mammography, screening pap smear and pelvic exam, prostate cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, diabetes self-management, bone mass measurement, glaucoma screening, medical nutrition therapy and cardiovascular screening and diabetes screening.

These new benefits can be used to screen Medicare beneficiaries for many illnesses and conditions that, if caught early, can be treated and managed, and can result in far fewer serious health consequences.

This new benefit is a part of the Medicare reform legislation passed in December 2003 that added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. Over the years Medicare has been adding some preventive care coverage to it's benefits.

Prevention and early detection of health problems is a cost effective way of providing health care and improving quality of life to the great number of people who depend on Medicare for health care coverage.

By providing an initial physical examination for all newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries, seniors and disabled Americans will have the opportunity to discuss with their physician the importance of preventive care and living a healthy lifestyle. .