The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is a one-time preventive physical exam Medicare covers within the first 12 months that you have Part B.

The exam will include a thorough review of your health, as well as education and counseling about the preventive services you need, like certain screenings, shots, and referrals for other care.

Your doctor will check to make sure that you are up-to-date with preventive screenings and services, such as a cancer screening and shots.

Further tests may be ordered, if necessary.

Your doctor will also give you advice to help you prevent disease, improve your health and stay healthy.

Other topics in this exam include end-of-life planning, including advance directives.

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to put in writing what kind of health care you would want if you were too ill to speak and/or make decisions for yourself.

Talking to your family, friends, and health care providers about your wishes is important, but these legal documents ensure your wishes are followed.

Once you enroll in Part B, it's important to schedule your "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam right away.

Medicare will only cover this physical exam if it occurs within the first 12 months that you have Part B.

Consult your doctor before the exam so you know exactly what information you will need to bring with you to the exam.

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