Starting Medicare? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Your First Doctor’s Appointment
If you’ve recently enrolled in Medicare—whether due to turning 65 or qualifying through disability—you might have questions about what comes next. One of the most important first steps is scheduling your Medicare Initial Preventive Physical Examination, also known as the “Welcome to Medicare” visit.
At Los Gatos Doc, we’re committed to making your transition into Medicare smooth, informative, and empowering. Whether you’re looking for a Medicare doctor in Los Gatos or a Medicare wellness visit in Campbell or Saratoga, we’re here to help you feel prepared and confident from the very first appointment.
What Is the “Welcome to Medicare” Visit?
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time preventive appointment covered under Medicare Part B. It’s different from a traditional physical exam—it’s focused on prevention, early detection, and creating a personalized health plan based on your needs and medical history.
To qualify, this visit must be completed within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B.
During your visit, your provider will:
- Review your medical and social history, including family health risks
- Check height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI)
- Discuss preventive services like cancer screenings, immunizations, and routine tests
- Evaluate your risk for depression and cognitive impairments
- Offer referrals for additional screenings or specialist care, if needed
- Provide education and counseling about staying healthy as you age
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this visit is designed to help patients and doctors build a roadmap for long-term wellness.
What to Bring to Your First Medicare Appointment
To make the most of your visit, it helps to come prepared. Bring the following:
- Your Medicare card (and any secondary insurance information)
- A list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
- A record of your personal and family medical history
- Immunization records, especially if you’ve received vaccines elsewhere
- Any questions or health concerns you want to discuss
If you’re caring for a spouse, parent, or loved one during their transition to Medicare, consider accompanying them to the visit to help with information and follow-up.
How It Differs from a Traditional Physical
One common misconception is that the Welcome to Medicare visit is a head-to-toe physical exam. In reality, it’s more of a preventive planning session. You won’t receive blood work or diagnostic testing unless it’s related to an existing condition or scheduled separately.
The goal is not to treat acute problems, but rather to lay the foundation for proactive, personalized care. If you need additional lab work or screenings, your doctor will schedule those during or after this appointment.
After Your Welcome Visit: Annual Wellness Visits
Once you’ve completed your Welcome to Medicare visit, you’ll be eligible for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit every year after that. These annual check-ins are also covered under Medicare Part B and help you:
- Review and update your personalized prevention plan
- Screen for changes in memory, mental health, or physical ability
- Stay current on vaccinations, screenings, and counseling
- Track ongoing conditions with your primary care provider
Many patients find these annual visits especially helpful in staying on top of chronic disease prevention and managing age-related health changes.
Why Choose Los Gatos Doc for Your Medicare Visit?
At Los Gatos Doc, we understand that starting Medicare can feel overwhelming. That’s why we work to make every patient feel heard, respected, and supported—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
Here’s how we support our Medicare patients:
- Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent needs
- Compassionate providers who specialize in senior care and preventive medicine
- Personalized wellness plans designed around your unique goals and history
- Convenient telehealth options for check-ins and follow-ups
If you’re searching for a Medicare doctor in Los Gatos, or looking to schedule a Medicare wellness visit in Campbell or Saratoga, CA, our team is ready to guide you through every step.
Take Charge of Your Medicare Benefits—Starting Now
Prevention is powerful, and your Welcome to Medicare visit is the perfect way to kick off your care journey. By establishing care early and partnering with a trusted provider, you’ll be better equipped to maintain your health and independence for years to come.
Ready to book your Welcome to Medicare visit? Contact Los Gatos Doc today to schedule your appointment and get started with compassionate, personalized care close to home.
Works Cited
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit.” Medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/welcome-to-medicare-preventive-visit. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventive Health Care for Older Adults.” CDC.gov, https://www.cdc.gov/still-going-strong/older-adults/index.html . Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Annual Wellness Visit Coverage.” HealthCare.gov, https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/annual-wellness-visit/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.