MEDICARE PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
A VITAL STEP FOR YOUR HEALTH
Medicare offers a comprehensive range of preventive services designed to help maintain your health and detect potential issues early. After reviewing the Medicare handbook, I’ve selected key tests and screenings that I highly recommend for individuals on Medicare.
These screenings are essential in identifying health concerns, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, in their early stages when they are more treatable. By taking advantage of these services, you can improve your long-term health outcomes, potentially reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments down the line.
ENHANCE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
PRIORITIZE THESE EARLY DETECTION MEASURES
Chiropractic Care
Medicare covers various methods of chiropractic care, including manipulation.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screenings
Medicare provides coverage for a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound if you’re at risk. A referral from your physician is required. You’re considered at risk if you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms or if you’re a male aged 65-75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your lifetime.
Acupuncture
Medicare covers acupuncture, including dry needling, for chronic low back pain. Up to 12 acupuncture sessions are covered within 90 days for chronic low back pain, which is defined as:
Lasting 12 weeks or longer
Not caused by an identifiable condition (e.g., metastatic cancer or infectious disease)
Pain that is not associated with surgery or pregnancy
Bone Mass Measurements (DEXA)
Medicare covers bone density tests (DEXA) once every 24 months. I recommend all patients begin this screening in their 30s. Detecting even slight bone loss early allows us to take action to improve bone health and prevent further deterioration.
Cardiovascular Disease Screenings
These screenings involve blood tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, helping to detect conditions that may lead to heart attack or stroke. Medicare covers these blood tests once every five years.
Chronic Pain Management and Treatment Services (New Benefit)
Medicare now offers monthly services for individuals living with chronic pain (defined as pain lasting more than three months). These services may include pain assessment, medication management, and care coordination. I recommend combining these services with chiropractic care and acupuncture for effective chronic pain management.
Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services
During your regular visits, including your yearly Wellness visit, your provider may perform a cognitive assessment to detect signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of cognitive impairment may include difficulty remembering, learning, concentrating, managing finances, or making everyday decisions. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and delirium can also cause confusion, making it important to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Medicare covers a separate visit with a healthcare provider to conduct a thorough cognitive assessment, establish or confirm a diagnosis such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, and develop a personalized care plan.
Preventive Services: Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Medicare covers this test once every 12 months for individuals aged 45 and older.
Multi-Target Stool DNA & Blood-Based Biomarker Tests: These at-home lab tests are covered once every three years if you meet the following criteria:
You are between the ages of 45 and 85.
You have no symptoms of colorectal disease, such as lower gastrointestinal pain, blood in your stool, or a positive fecal occult blood or fecal immunochemical test.
Diabetes Equipment, Supplies, & Therapeutic Shoes
Medicare covers meters and continuous glucose monitors, which are small patches worn on the arm for 2-4 weeks. These devices are discreet, painless, and provide real-time insights into your blood sugar levels, helping you understand how your food choices impact your health.
Eyeglasses
Following cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant, Medicare covers one pair of standard eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses.
Hearing & Balance Exams
You can visit an audiologist once every 12 months without a doctor's referral. Hearing loss often develops gradually over time, so regular monitoring is essential. Early detection helps us address issues before they worsen.
Lung Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers annual lung cancer screenings using low-dose computed tomography (CT) if you meet the following criteria:
You are between the ages of 50 and 77.
You have no symptoms of lung cancer.
Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items (New Benefit)
With an increasing number of patients experiencing lymphedema in the feet and ankles, Medicare now covers compression garments to help manage this condition.
Mammograms
Medicare provides coverage for a breast cancer screening (mammogram) once every 12 months. I strongly recommend staying current with this vital screening.
Prostate Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests once every 12 months for men over 50. I strongly recommend that all my male patients undergo these tests, in addition to a prostate ultrasound evaluation. This ultrasound is as simple as the digital exam and provides valuable additional insights.
Yearly Wellness Visit
I continuously update my knowledge and resources to help you maintain a personalized plan for disease prevention and optimal health. As many of you know, I offer tailored exercises, nutritional supplements, and tips for overall well-being. This year, I’ve developed a new foot exercise program that I want all my patients to incorporate into their routine. These exercises can help with bunions, toe issues, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, posture improvement, poor balance, and even pelvic floor health.
Please call the office at (310) 444-9393 to learn more about the foot and toe exercises that can benefit your overall health.
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