|
Preventive Services
|
What It Does
|
Frequency
|
Nationwide Utilization Rates (2007) |
|
“Welcome to Medicare” Physical Exam
|
One-time review of health and medical history.
|
Once during the first year after enrolling in the Medicare program.
|
5.8%
|
|
Diabetes Screening
|
Blood sugar test.
|
Can vary based on test results. Beneficiaries should consult with their physicians for additional details.
|
9.6% |
|
Cardiovascular Screenings for Cholesterol, Lipid, and Triglyceride Levels
|
Check for cholesterol and blood fat levels.
|
Once every 5 years.
|
56.7% |
|
Flu Shots
|
Prevents the flu.
|
Once a flu season.
|
44.2% |
|
Pneumonia Shots
|
Prevents pneumococcal infections.
|
Usually needed only once.
|
6% |
|
Hepatitis B Shots
|
Helps prevent liver disease.
|
Beneficiaries should consult with their physicians.
|
Not available. |
|
Colon Cancer Screenings
|
Screens for colon cancer.
|
Beneficiaries should consult with their physicians.
|
18.8%1 |
|
Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams
|
Screens for cervical and vaginal cancer.
|
Once every 2 years.
Once a year for women at high-risk.
|
Pap Tests: 11%
Pelvic Exams: 5.9%
|
|
Mammograms
|
Screens for breast cancer.
|
Once a year for women over 40 years.
|
37.9% |
|
Glaucoma Tests
|
Can diagnose glaucoma early on.
|
Once a year for individuals at high risk.
|
Not available. |
|
Smoking Cessation
|
Counseling to quit smoking for beneficiaries with smoking-related illnesses.
|
Up to 8 visits during 1 year.
|
Not available. |
1Data from 2005 survey by The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence
Source: CMS. Medicare Preventive Services to Keep You Healthy. CMS Publication #10110
Medicare Part B covers Medical Nutrition Therapy. Click here to learn more about MNT.
