Ring in the New Year with Wellness Tips from MSU Health Care

January 6, 2021

Many of us are glad to see 2020 come to an end. In order to make 2021 a prosperous year, creating a wellness plan can improve both the personal and professional aspects of your life.

"One of the best things you can do for your ongoing health is to schedule an annual wellness visit with your primary care provider," said Nathan Fitton, DO, Associate Chief Medical Information Officer for MSU Health Care.

According to Medicare, the adult yearly wellness visit is where a patient and their provider create a prevention plan for the patient. It is designed to prevent disease so it is based on a patient's risk factors and current health.

What is an Annual Wellness exam?

• It is a visit with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) that is focused on screening for wellness.  It is not a visit for when you are sick.
• It is covered by your insurance once every 12 months.
• Your PCP will review your overall health, risk factors and discuss health screenings that are due within the year. This is partially accomplished by you completing a Health Risk Assessment, or HRA a questionnaire about your health.
• You and your PCP will agree to a treatment or prevention plan for the year.

Make sure your provider is in-network.

Many employers participate in what are called narrow networks. Verifying that your provider accepts your insurance will avoid any surprise fees. MSU Health Care providers accept all MSU health care plans. MSU Health Care Pharmacy accepts most prescription plans. Our pharmacy is a preferred pharmacy for Caremark and the new retiree insurance, Humana. Learn more about our services at pharmacy.msu.edu.  If you need imaging performed MSU Health Care Imaging Services is covered by the MSU insurance plans. They also have convenient scheduling hours, with appointments available even on weekends.

Diagnostics Services

If you need imaging performed MSU Health Care Imaging Services is covered by the MSU insurance plans. They also have convenient scheduling hours, with appointments available even on weekends.

Make your appointment 12 months apart.

The Annual Wellness Visit is covered once every 12 months, so it is important to make sure that enough time has passed since your last wellness exam. Contacting your provider and scheduling your Annual Wellness Visit early in the year will help ensure your visit is on schedule.

By using these strategies to manage your health with an Annual Wellness Visit you are creating a foundation for a positive year ahead.