Medicare Glossary

Annual Wellness Visit

A yearly visit with your doctor covered by Medicare Part B at no cost to you. Your doctor creates or updates a personalized prevention plan based on your current health. Not the same as a physical exam; it focuses on health risk assessment and prevention planning.

Also known as: AWV

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Equipment and supplies ordered by a doctor for use in the home. Examples include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and blood sugar monitors. Medicare Part B covers DME that is medically necessary.

Also known as: DME

Hospital Outpatient Services

Medical and surgical services provided at a hospital or clinic when you are not admitted as an inpatient. Covered under Medicare Part B. You pay coinsurance or copays for outpatient services.

Also known as: Outpatient services

Medicare Part B

Medical insurance. Covers most doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, home health care, and durable medical equipment. You pay a monthly premium for Part B (adjusted based on income for higher earners).

Also known as: Medical Insurance

Preventive Services

Health care services that help detect or prevent illness and health problems. Medicare Part B covers many preventive services — such as mammograms, colonoscopies, flu shots, and the "Welcome to Medicare" visit — often at no cost to you.

Telehealth

Medical visits and services delivered remotely by phone or video instead of in person. Medicare covers a range of telehealth services under Part B, with coverage rules that have expanded in recent years.

Also known as: Telemedicine, Virtual Visit

Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit

A one-time preventive visit covered by Medicare Part B during the first 12 months you have Part B. Your doctor reviews your health status, helps you set up a prevention plan, and provides referrals for screenings — at no cost to you if your provider accepts assignment.

Also known as: "Welcome to Medicare" visit, Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE)