![]() When we discovered that our automated appointment reminder service was calling patients to remind them of their physician or provider appointments but not their previsit appointment with the LVN, we discontinued the service and now have staff make these calls. ![]() We also cross-trained MAs to complete elements that were not obtained during the previsit. We implemented a “flag” system in our scheduling software to allow schedulers to indicate that interpreter services would be required so that these arrangements could be made before the visit. A few previsits extended beyond the 30-minute schedule because of language barriers and patient late arrivals. ![]() We continue to find ways to improve our model. Reimbursement amounts can be looked up using the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Lookup. See a complete list of Medicare-covered services, their codes, and coverage details. Note that these figures do not include associated labs or diagnostic studies. For example, a female smoker who is being seen for a Welcome to Medicare visit can also have tobacco-use counseling, depression screening, and a well-woman exam, maximizing the value of the appointment to the patient while increasing total RVUs from 3.64 to 4.67 and payment from $155.89 to $224.31 (Medicare allowable rates). With an efficient workflow, providing covered screening services at the same time as the Medicare wellness visit can maximize reimbursements. The relevant codes for the wellness visits and other Medicare preventive services that might realistically be provided in connection with the Medicare wellness visit are shown in the table below, along with relative-value units and payment amounts. Physicians can bill wellness visit codes in addition to other preventive services. Provide Advance Directive and Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment forms for patient if indicated,Įscort the patient to see the physician or provider, and deliver the printed note. Print the previsit note and highlight any items of potential concern for the physician or provider, Obtain an ECG if ordered by the provider a screening ECG performed as the result of a referral from a Welcome to Medicare visit is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit, but an ECG performed in connection with an AWV may be subject to deductible/coinsurance/copay.Ĭonduct a brief hearing assessment, then perform basic audiometric screening if indicated (although it is not required by Medicare, we feel that audiometric screening provides the best objective assessment it is not separately billed), Review, update, and record the patient's past medical/surgical/family/social history and diet information,Ĭonduct a brief depression and cognitive impairment assessment, then complete a PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire and Mini Mental Status Exam if indicated,Ĭomplete a functional ability assessment, Obtain information to complete a health risk assessment, Start a note using the EHR template for Medicare wellness visits, Not a comprehensive, “head-to- toe” physical.Ī comprehensive, not focused, “head-to-toe” physical exam.Ī problem-oriented visit may be described by patient or physician as follow-up appointment or recheck. Not a comprehensive, “head- to-toe” physical.Ī focused physical exam, review of the patient's health, and development of a plan to keep the patient healthy. Subject to the patient's deductible/coinsurance/co-pay.Ī focused physical exam, review of the patient's health, and development of a plan to keep the patient healthy. Not covered by traditional Medicare but may be covered by Medicare Advantage plan provided at patient's request. Subsequent AWVs may be provided annually. Initial AWV covered 12 months after enrollment in Medicare or 12 months after the Welcome to Medicare visit. ![]() Covered only once in a lifetime must be provided within the first 12 months of patient's enrollment in Medicare. ![]()
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