Senior Health & Aging
We want to help you get the most out of life, and the first step is a senior wellness visit with an SSM Health physician. Together, you'll develop a personalized plan to manage your health and prevent disease.
With locations near you and caring doctors and staff who specialize in keeping seniors healthy, SSM Health is your lifeline to great health. We offer routine screenings, health risk assessments for common age-related conditions and comprehensive care to keep you healthy. When you choose SSM Health for your senior care, we will help you grow better as you grow older.
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Use this guide as an introduction to the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit that you may be eligible for as a Medicare Part B recipient.
When you join the ranks of Medicare, your plan pays for most medical care, including wellness visits that keep you happy and healthy. One of the most important steps you can take is having a Medicare annual wellness visit.
What is an annual Medicare wellness visit?
Your Medicare annual wellness visit, covered for patients who have had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. You and your doctor will develop a personalized plan, based on your current health and risk factors, to manage your health and prevent disease. Annual wellness visits are intended to get you up-to-date on basic screenings, immunizations and preventive services.
Note: your yearly Medicare wellness visit is not physical exam.
What happens during your annual Medicare wellness visit?
Unlike a comprehensive physical exam, your annual wellness visit includes screenings and vaccines, and possible referrals for additional tests or services, if needed. Your visit with an SSM Health provider may include the following:
- Measure your height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI)
- Review your medical, surgical, social history (such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use) and family history
- Review your current prescribed and over-the-counter medications
- Perform a basic depression and cognitive screening test
- Complete a health risk and safety assessment
- Discuss advanced care planning
- Plan a list of recommended preventive screenings and services you may need in the coming years
- Discuss referrals for appropriate services or programs to help minimize or treat potential health risks
Keep in mind that some of these services may be performed by an advance practice provider, registered nurse, or medical assistant.
What are the treatable signs of aging?
Seniors’ symptoms often indicate emotional, psychiatric, behavioral or stress-related issues, which may be medical, psychological, or a combination of both. Once considered “normal signs of aging,” many behavioral health challenges are actually symptoms of treatable conditions. With proper diagnosis and treatment, your primary care provider and the behavioral health experts at SSM Health can help seniors improve their quality of life and restore relationships with friends and loved ones.
- Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
- Change in appetite or sleep habits
- Loss of interest in loved ones, friends or pleasurable activities
- Irritability or prolonged sadness
- Nervousness
- Dread or fear
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Racing heart, increased blood pressure, hyperventilation
- Phobias and panic disorders
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations
- Inappropriate actions or emotional responses
By combining specialized services with a multidisciplinary approach, we can accurately diagnose and treat not only your immediate problems, but even minimize the effects chronic conditions. If you, or a senior loved one, are experiencing any of these treatable signs of aging talk to your SSM Health provider today to get a care plan in place.
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