The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on August 5 issued proposed regulations implementing important new preventive benefits for seniors authorized by the Medicare Modernization Act. Under the law, beginning in 2005 all seniors that are newly enrolled in Medicare will be eligible for a one-time physical exam within six months of the date they enter the program. In addition, these seniors will be covered for cardiovascular screening blood tests, and those at risk will be covered for diabetes screening tests.
The new "Welcome to Medicare Physical" will consist of a comprehensive examination that will enable the physician to diagnose problems early when treatment is more effective, CMS said in a fact sheet. Education, counseling, and referral with respect to screening benefits covered under Medicare, such as mammography screening, colorectal cancer screening, and prostate cancer screening are also part of the exam.
AGS is especially pleased that CMS is also proposing to include the following elements of a geriatric assessment as part of the physical:
- Review of the individual's comprehensive medical and social history.
- Review of the individual's potential risk factors for depression.
- Review of the individual's functional ability and level of safety (at a minimum, a review of the following areas: hearing impairment, activities of daily living, falls risk, and home safety).
To view the draft rule, go to http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a040805c.html and scroll down to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Information on all the preventive services now covered under Medicare can be found in a new CMS fact sheet available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1135. The fact sheet also outlines CMS's plans for additional publications and other outreach efforts aimed at educating both seniors and Medicare providers about the new benefits.
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