Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is an opportunity for you and your primary care provider to check in on your health and create a personalized plan for moving forward. A trusted relationship with your provider helps ensure you have support and guidance whenever health needs arise. To get the most out of your visit, here are 5 questions you can ask to help you maintain or improve your health:
Do any changes need to be made to my medications? Be sure to review your current medications and supplements during your visit, especially if you’re seeing a new provider. It’s important to know whether you’re taking the appropriate medications and if any refills will be needed. If you’re having issues with your current medication(s), let your provider know. If you are prescribed a new medicine, ask if there are any side effects or interactions with your current medication(s). Make sure you’re comfortable knowing how often and for how long you should take a particular medication.
What health screenings or tests do you recommend for me?
Depending on your age and other risk factors, your provider may recommend screening tests for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. If you’re female, your provider may recommend screenings for breast and/or cervical cancer. For males, screening for prostate cancer may be recommended. Be sure to disclose if you have any personal or family history of certain cancers or diseases, as this may increase your risk.
