1. What is the difference between a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and a yearly Physical Exam?
An Annual Wellness Visit by medicare does not include an actual head to toe physical exam or bloodwork. It includes the cognitive impairment assessment is performed to look for signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. A personalized prevention plan is designed to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. It can also include:
- A review of your medical and family history
- Developing or updating a list of current providers and prescriptions
- Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements
- Detection of any cognitive impairment
- Personalized health advice
- A list of risk factors and treatment options for you
- A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services
2. If a patient is sick, how long does it take them to get an appointment?
Usually the same day.
3. What happens if a patient has a medical problem during off-hours?
Dr. Patel has an answering service, which will send an emergent message to Dr. Patel or his covering physician.
4. What vaccinations or injections are given in the office?
Tetanus, Pneumonia, Influenza, and B12.
5. What is Board Certification?
Medical boards apply professional and educational standards to evaluate and certify physicians to be competent with current medical practices.
6. What is Doctor of Internal Medicine?
Internists focus on adult medicine. They care from patients for life from adolescent years through old age. Internists have undergone special study and training that focuses on adult diseases and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases primarily affecting adults.
