Medicare Wellness Visits
Are you a person with Medicare?
This content is for health care providers. If you’re a person with Medicare, visit Medicare.gov.
What's Changed?
We updated HCPCS code G0136 and related content.
Preventive Services
Early detection saves lives. Encourage patients to get other preventive services.
| The Annual Wellness Visits video helps you understand these exams as well as their purpose and claim submission requirements. |
Quick Start
Medicare Physical Exam Coverage
Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE)
Review of medical and social health history and preventive services education.
- Covered for new Medicare patients within 12 months of starting Medicare Part B coverage
- Patients pay nothing (if provider accepts assignment)
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
Visit to develop or update a personalized prevention plan and perform a health risk assessment.
- Covered once every 12 months
- Patients pay nothing (if provider accepts assignment)
Routine Physical Exam
Exam performed without relationship to treatment or diagnosis of a specific illness, symptom, complaint, or injury.
- Not covered
- Patients pay 100% out of pocket
Communication Avoids Confusion
You may recommend that patients get services more often than we cover or that we don’t cover. If this happens, help patients understand they may have to pay some or all costs. Communication is key to making sure patients understand why you’re recommending certain services and whether we cover them.
Mental Health Crisis Help
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including a substance use crisis or thoughts of suicide, can get confidential support 24/7 by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Visit the SAMHSA 988 Partner Toolkit for information and resources.
Page Last Modified:
04/08/2026 04:20 PM