Last year, I turned 65 and decided to see my doc. I never see my doc, but 65 and all... They turned it into some goofy visit where they wanted me to draw a clock and repeat three deadly sins, or something like that. Found out I was in a Medicare Wellness visit, which they want to do yearly. I could not draw a clock to save my life and all I could think for the sins were three of my several high school girlfriends, Carol, Robin and Rhonda who were amazingly "friendly" for those days of the early 1970s --. Despite the free love term being thrown about in the mid-60s, most girls I knew were quite practised at saying no in the long hot summers of the 1970s. Anyway, a year later my doc office calls today and want me back for another annual Medicare wellness visit. Thought they were mandatory, but poked around the web and found totally voluntary. Any of you going through this? I might agree to a real physical where they draw blood, etc., but this again? Nope. Indeed, think I will call and tell them real exam, yeah, wellness tomfoolery, nope.
yes, it started happening when i went on medicare as well. it is goofey, or seems to be to me. they tell me they are watching for signs of dementia. it's like when they ask if you've had a fall. never say yes, whether you have or not. it's one of those things that stays in your record, and if you wind up in the hospital for any reason, they put you in hancuffs and leg irons. i will say, you had more luck with girls than i did, but not from lack of trying.
My Pop Warner football coach taught me to "collect the word no." We had to sell door-to-door to support the program. He said most people say no, so collect those no's as fast as you can, eventually you get a yes. Worked with high school romance, also.
Yes, anytime a medical practice can milk Medicare - they will. It adds to the bottom line and in theory it's good practice; if your mental facilities are failing. This doesn't excuse them from not doing what your there for in the first place; a full annual medical work-up - NOT just a congnitive exam.
So it's not called a "physical" anymore? I go in and get lots of blood work yearly but I'm not, yet, 65 despite the socialists at AARP sending me their membership cards almost every birthday. (I did join AMAC for the various discounts.)
I fall alot. Tough to run with pants around the ankles...it's a female thing. When in the woods taking care of life's necessities, we tend to be hyperalert and hyperskittish...ready to dash at the slightest noise. LOL
we have a medicare advantage plan through a local healthcare insco. they pay for a yearly full exam, so i schedule them 6 months apart. of course, you pay extra for the advantage plan, so it's not free.yearly-wellness-visits
I just turned 70 but started regular Medicare in January. They took blood & talked about the results during my Wellness visit. She wanted blood tests again in a month and a visit they said could be virtual. When I went to get the second blood tests, I had to sign Medicare may not pay because too soon. Unfortunately, my virtual visit was scheduled for next week. Medicare COVID era telehealth expired September 30. They called me to say it was not covered but they had no idea why. This practice supposedly has a dedicated Medicare staff but I will look elsewhere since they obviously do not know what is covered. The official Medicare booklet emphasizes, in bold print, that it is not a physical exam. Unfortunately around here, most doctors require at least a yearly visit before they will refill prescription medications.
As a general rule, ALL doctors are required to check-in on patient at least annually if they're on a drug regiment. Things change over time and dosages needs to be adjusted. I agree with you; that practice should know what's covered and what's not covered - especially since they have a dedicated medicare team. The notice on that disclaimer was key - They knew that follow-up wasn't covered. This is no different than dealing with a shady dealership..... Just my 2-cents......
<y doctor who is supposedly in a Medicare specialty group just gave me 6 months and expects another visit. Since Medicare does not pay for routine visits, it would be totally out of pocket. Definitely looking for another medical practice in the area!
Two lion hunters are in the bush when a lion charges at them. One hunter immediately sits down and starts putting on his running shoes . The second hunter says, "What are you doing? You can't outrun a lion!". The first hunter replies, "I don't have to outrun the lion, I just have to outrun you". (*) Bob Wilson * - the nice version.
That was put into practice in The Walking Dead Season-2 Episode-3. Shane shoots Otis in the leg to escape from a hoard of walkers. I'm just full of useless information. The Walking Dead season 2 - Wikipedia
I do not know what is more disturbing.... That it was a real show instead of an elaborate meme OR that there was a season 2! I'm reminded of US Navy divers. They ALWAYS have a swim buddy and they ALWAYS carry dive knifes for shark attacks. The theory is that if a shark attacks you should slice your buddy's air line and kick away. Alternate strategery involves hamstrings.
