If you're new to Medicare, take charge of your health and wellness with a thorough physical exam. A comprehensive physical is a smart and easy way for you and your doctor to set a starting point for your personalized health care. It's your road map for effective, efficient, timely health care, and it will help lower the health care system's per-person costs.

Medicare covers two types of physical exams: one when you're new to Medicare and one each year after that.

The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam. Medicare covers a one-time physical exam if you have it within the first 12 months in which you are enrolled in Part B. Beginning in 2011, you can get this exam for free if your doctor accepts assignment (agrees to be paid directly by Medicare and accepts the amount Medicare approves for the service). This physical includes:

• A review of your medical and social history, including risk factors you can change.
  
• A physical exam that includes measuring your height, weight, blood pressure, visual acuity, and body mass index.
  
• Education, counseling, and referrals based on the results of your physical exam.
  
• A brief written plan, such as a checklist, for getting appropriate screenings or other Medicare Part B preventive services.
  
• A review of your risk for depression.
• End-of-life planning.

The yearly wellness exam. Medicare also covers a  yearly wellness exam once you've had Part B for longer than 12 months, and if it has been at least 12 months since your Welcome to Medicare physical. This yearly exam will help you develop or update a prevention plan. You'll pay nothing for the exam if your doctor accepts assignment.

Schedule your physical exam today!