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

Observation Status

A classification used when a hospital monitors your condition before deciding whether to formally admit you. Even if you stay overnight, observation status is considered outpatient care (Part B), not inpatient (Part A). This distinction matters for skilled nursing facility eligibility.

Also known as: Outpatient observation

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)