jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I went to see my doctor yesterday for my annual physical, although they now call it a Wellness Exam. Surprisingly, the waiting time was very short. The nurse asked me a lot of questions and said, "I see you're here for your physical." I didn't correct her and say, "Wellness Exam." The doctor finished with me and said I'm good for another year. Then he said, "I see you're due for your Wellness Exam in April." I laughed out loud! I said, "I thought this was my Wellness Exam." "No, this is your physical. Your Wellness exam will be in April."

We had discussed the confusing terminology before, but it's still confusing. The Wellness Exam is more thorough. The insurance company pays for both, so I have no copayment. He said that he is now able to combine them, so in April of 2025, I will get both on the same day. I tried to picture how that would work.

"Hi, how are you feeling? (Wellness)
"I'm feeling fine."

"Hi, how are you feeling? (physical)
"I'm feeling fine."

"Let me listen to your heart." (Wellness)

"Let me listen to your heart." (physical)

Speaking of "thorough," in the past, my physical would include a hearing test, breathing test, and an echocardiogram (maybe that's not the right term). They've been eliminated.

BebuLamar

Did the doctor take your picture?

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Health care is not what it used to be. So many doc are in groups and they are pressured to 15 minutes per pt. I am grateful I am no longer working as a nurse.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Seems an awful lot like a Chit Chat post.

BebuLamar

The doctor may take a portrait of Jerry.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Or at least a photo of any problems.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Every time I go any doctor, all the "other people" are different.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

We're all different, and some of us are more different.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I hear an echo. Maybe I need my hearing checked.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

They wanted to double the price of the Physical Exam and were turned down. So they came up with the Wellness Exam to fool the insurance company. LOL

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

The big difference is Medicare pays for 100% of the wellness exam where a checkup is subject to the copay, and usually lab work. You don't even have to see a Dr, just a nurse, for a wellness exam. In a wellness exam, they are trying to judge your overall competency. Most of the time they ask me to remember 3 words when the nurse takes vitals, then later asks for the 3 words to check your memory. They gave me a picture of a clock face with no hands and asked me to put hands on the clock for 11:10am, quick vision check, listen to heart, ... Be careful in filling out the questionnaire. They ask questions looking for depression or suicidal tendencies as well as asking if you have your guns locked up (obviously just trying to see if you own any firearms). You can imagine what happens if they get concerned about your mental health. I believe this information get back to Medicare, but I'm not sure. Big Brother?

My health insurance company (pension benefits) calls offering to send out a nurse and perform the wellness exam right in my home. I refuse as I would rather have it done in my Drs office. That way, the Dr has seen me and keeps my prescriptions updated.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I can see some room for humor there. "I'm always very depressed, and I hate all my neighbors. Guns? Sure, I have lots of guns - always loaded and always within an arm's reach." 😁

I used to get that memory test, but it ended. One year, I asked the doctor if I would have to remember "pen, desk, and apple," - the annual three words. One year, I had to count backwards from 100, by 7! Ugh!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I’m not really fond of insurance companies. They complicate my life with there rules. By the end of the day, I have had at least 40 different fights (arguments) about different patients. All I want to do is what I am told by the doctors. Don’t worry I will be doing this tomorrow until I I retire!

PS: this thread does belong in Chit-Chat!

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Mine were apple, watch, penny.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Would anyone say otherwise?! 🤣

Yes, there first reply is usually, "I'm sorry, but that isn't covered." They are very good at collecting money but not very good at handing it out.

I once bought a policy that would pay me so much a week if I was "sick" and out of work for a month. After some surgery, I was out of work for a month. When I called the agent, he said, "Great! Now we start counting up to thirty days!" I dropped that policy.