The Welcome to Medicare visit includes a standard set of health screenings and lab work covered at no cost to you
Your Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time physical exam that Medicare covers in full during your first year of Part B coverage. The visit includes a medical history, a physical exam, and several screenings — but it does not automatically include blood work or urine tests. The specific labs your doctor orders depend on your age, health history, and what your doctor finds during the exam. Medicare covers certain screenings as part of the visit itself, and your doctor may recommend additional tests based on what they learn about you.
Understanding what is included helps you prepare for the appointment and know what to expect. You should bring a list of current medications, any recent test results from your previous doctor, and a record of your medical history if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- The Welcome to Medicare visit includes a physical exam and health screening at no cost, but blood work is not automatically part of it.
- Your doctor may order blood tests, urine tests, or other labs based on your age and health history, and Medicare covers these if medically necessary.
- Screening tests for depression, cognitive impairment, and functional ability are part of the standard visit.
- Bring your medication list and any recent medical records so your doctor can make informed decisions about which tests you need.
- If your doctor orders tests outside the standard visit, ask whether Medicare covers them before you leave the office.
Screenings that are part of the Welcome to Medicare visit
Medicare covers several specific screenings as part of your Welcome to Medicare visit at no cost. These include a review of your medical and social history, a physical exam, measurement of your height, weight, and blood pressure, and a check of your vision and hearing. Your doctor will also perform a mental status assessment to screen for depression and cognitive impairment — this is usually a brief questionnaire rather than a formal test.
Your doctor will assess your ability to perform daily activities and may ask about falls, balance problems, or difficulty with stairs or walking. This functional assessment helps identify whether you need physical therapy, home safety changes, or other support. The visit also includes a review of your medications to check for interactions or doses that may need adjustment now that you are on Medicare.
Lab tests your doctor may order during the visit
While blood work and urine tests are not automatic, your doctor can order them during the Welcome to Medicare visit if they think you need them. Common tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or infection, a metabolic panel to measure kidney and liver function and blood sugar, and a lipid panel to check cholesterol levels. Your doctor may also order a urinalysis to screen for kidney problems or diabetes.
Medicare covers these lab tests if your doctor documents that they are medically necessary — meaning they are ordered to diagnose or monitor a health condition, not just as a routine screening. If you have a history of diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems, your doctor is more likely to order these tests. If you are over 65 and have never had certain screenings, your doctor may also recommend them based on age-related risk.
Preventive screenings Medicare covers separately
Beyond the Welcome to Medicare visit itself, Medicare covers other preventive screenings at no cost during your first year and beyond. These include a screening mammogram for breast cancer (for women), a colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screening (starting at age 50), and an abdominal ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked). Your doctor may recommend these during your Welcome to Medicare visit and refer you to have them done separately.
Medicare also covers an EKG (electrocardiogram) to check your heart rhythm if your doctor thinks you need one, though this is not routine for everyone. A bone density scan (DEXA scan) to screen for osteoporosis is covered for women over 65 and men over 70, and for younger people with risk factors. Your doctor can discuss which of these screenings make sense for you based on your age and health history.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a current list of all medications and supplements you take — include the dose and how often you take each one. If you have recent lab results from another doctor or hospital, bring those records so your doctor can see your health history. Write down any health concerns or symptoms you want to discuss, and note any family history of serious illness like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows your doctor to check your blood pressure and perform a physical exam. If you think you might need lab work, you do not need to fast beforehand unless your doctor specifically told you to — ask when you schedule the appointment. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the visit, and bring someone with you if you want help remembering what the doctor says or if you have hearing difficulty.
Understanding your lab results and next steps
After your Welcome to Medicare visit, your doctor will review any lab results and contact you with findings. If results are normal, your doctor may straightforward document this in your medical record. If results show a problem — such as high cholesterol, high blood sugar, or anemia — your doctor will discuss treatment options with you, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or follow-up testing.
Ask your doctor for a copy of all lab results and what they mean in plain language. If your doctor recommends follow-up tests or treatment, ask how often you will need to repeat the tests and whether Medicare covers the recommended treatment. Some conditions found during screening may need monitoring over time, so understanding your baseline results helps you track changes at future visits.
What happens if additional tests are recommended
If your doctor recommends tests that are not part of the standard Welcome to Medicare visit — such as an advanced imaging scan, a specialist referral, or genetic testing — ask whether Medicare covers it before you agree to the test. Some tests are covered only under certain conditions, and some may require prior authorization from Medicare before your doctor can order them.
Your doctor's office can check coverage for you, or you can call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask. If a test is not covered, your doctor can tell you the out-of-pocket cost so you can decide whether to proceed. Do not assume that because one test is covered, all similar tests are covered — coverage rules vary by test type and your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get blood work during the Welcome to Medicare visit?
No. Blood work is not automatic, but your doctor may order it if they think you need it based on your age, symptoms, or health history. Medicare covers lab tests if your doctor documents they are medically necessary.
Will I have to pay anything for the Welcome to Medicare visit?
No. Medicare covers the visit and any screenings that are part of it at no cost to you. If your doctor orders additional tests, ask whether they are covered before you leave the office.
What if I had labs done recently at another doctor's office?
Bring those results with you to your Welcome to Medicare visit. Your new Medicare doctor can review them and decide whether new tests are needed or whether the recent results are sufficient.
Can my doctor order tests during the visit that I can have done later?
Yes. Your doctor can order lab work during the visit and give you a lab slip to take to a lab or hospital at a time that works for you. Ask which labs are covered by Medicare before you leave.
What if my Welcome to Medicare visit finds a serious health problem?
Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and recommend next steps, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or referral to a specialist. Ask your doctor what follow-up care you need and when to schedule it.