Message Boards

This is OT but important enough that I think I should share with other members. For those of us who are on medicare I would like to inform you that while Medicare no longer offers an annual physical exam they do offer, with no co-pay. . . an annual "wellness exam" this is all to do with psychological/emotional questions. Four forms you fill out at home but when you arrive at the doctors office you are given many more (7 or so) they are tricky and seem to be designed to trip you up, nothing to do with your physical health. For instance they ask "do you have your gun in a safe place" not "do you have a gun?"

So when I read this today I was very surprised.
This to a tee fits what I thought about this "wellness" exam; invasive and psychologically manipulative. What is going on?

It seems like one has to fight to maintain even the illusion of privacy these days.

Lady,

It's a new measure that is not unique to M/C patients and practices.

Here is just one link with some additional background information.

http://www.ama-assn.org/amedne...1/01/31/gvsa0131.htm

BR my concern is not only to do with the gun question, but the questions all were to do with mental/psychological health. . . like "how often do you feel suicidal?". . . "do you think you are worthless?" etc etc.

My DD tells me her sil has to fill out such "wellness" forms before she takes her toddler and infant to the pediatrician. Again the questions are all about mental/emotional health.

I just spoke to my doctor's office. I was told that the completed forms must be kept in my file in case medicare ever wants them. BTW the doctor only briefly glanced over the forms. He never asked me any questions pertaining to my answers nor did he even know what my answers were. This is an information gathering ruse that has nothing to do with the physical health of a patient.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lady of shallot,

So, LOS, what do you think they're going to do with the information? I'm wondering why you're so concerned? My take on it is simply this, the elderly are at greater risk of mental deterioration and as some live alone, knowing their condition is important to providing care.

Everyone has their own story and this is mine...my elderly parents were traveling back and forth between the north and south long after they should have been, and my mother's physical health was deteriorating while my father's mental health was deteriorating. When we realized how bad it had become, we began the process of moving them into an assisted living facility, but my mother passed before we could actually move them. I have a theory...once she was sure we were on top of Dad's condition, she was able to "let go". Things might have turned out differently if we had been more aware...or maybe, just the same, who knows? My point is this, if things can get that bad when there is family close by, how bad can it get for those who live alone?

Maybe I'm being naive, but I don't have a problem with answering these kinds of questions, which, by the way, have been asked of me long before I became a Medicare recipient.

Belstone, I think the best way to answer you is to suggest you take this "wellness" exam. If you are on Medicare it is totally covered.


"knowing their condition is important to providing care." If they were in bad psychological condition they would not be able to fill out these complicated forms and if they were in that condition and at a doctors office he would observe their condition.

I am 78 and I have never been asked the type of questions that are on these forms and I wonder where and how you were asked such questions?

My concern is that the "wellness" exams may well be a product of UNESCO which I say in my initial post. As I'm sure you know there will also be UN observers at our polls.

Since I've never taken the wellness exam, I don't know all the questions, but regarding g uns, alcohol use, depression, fear of spouse...these are questions that are asked routinely at most doc or hospital visits..at least in my experience. I assume the questions you refer to are more complex or detailed?

Conditions like dememtia usually take time to diagnose, and testing on a regular basis would certainly go a long way to making that diagnosis more quickly and, consequently, providing assistance more quickly. Mental health is a complicated subject, for sure, and in my experience it's fairly easy to cover up issues that should be addressed (spousal abuse, for instance) so maybe trick questions are one of the ways to get the real picture?

LOS,
Thank you for posting this information. I found it valuable.

Each generation gives up more privacy than the one previous.

In the 60's no one could even mention 'child abuse' and so the children suffering were sacrificed for the many who valued their privacy.

I have read that the most abuse suffered is by the spouse of a mate with Dementia, and they want to keep their 'secrets' in the family or to themselves. There is a fine line between total privacy, then getting help when needed before situation gets escalated. And the doctor is covering bases with the responsibility he would face had he not asked or had a 'baseline' to go from.

My Cervical Spine surgery doctor takes photos of me on annual visits and asks personal questions about my moods, functioning capabilities, how I cope with pain, loss of movements, and about any signs of depression. There are signs that would let him know IF I have the quality of life to the fullest I could have.

Did you know that doctors need to give drug companies a number of potential patients for certain drugs? It is like an estimate of the next fiscal year's income?? There are also studies for new meds, and well you get the picture... It is like a tithe of the future, we all will spend this amount of money on meds...and they are grabbing for all they can get.

In a Capitalistic world, it IS ALWAYS about the money... the monthly, weekly, daily amount someone can get out of each person. Simple as that. (has nothing to do with humanitarian, philanthropic, or caring causes)

Each one of us, is part of a whole, humans are in a human family, no one stands alone. A study of the largest number of over 65 population ever in this country is valuable to the next generations. We as Baby Boomers have the most data to share, we also get benefits, and I think that sharing a few answers is really to protect someone from liability.

We are a country of 'lawyers' and everything has a liability attached to it (even owning a dog, if it bites someone for example). So, the question should be 'WHO is going to benefit, and is this part of the new Obamacare thing' where socialized medicine (and I am familiar with Canada's system) where treatment is portioned out and you get on a waiting list. At a certain age, and condition, certain procedures will be denied. I have personally witnessed it with a friend of mine (who has since passed away) where medical care and medication was slowly increased and co-pays raised. Even with Medicare, there are co-pays and limits on cost. Reality bites for us Seniors!

We are getting our ducks in a row, making out a Power of Attorney, will, living will, and pick executor. Get your designated child and start talking the 'what if's' so that it is NOT the doctor who makes the decisions for you, but you have something ready to use IF the need arises. IF you wait too long, then things get complicated and the Baker Act is not a pleasant situation for anyone!

Didn't mean to get so serious, BUT...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Valid points made.

Me? I am wondering if govt. is trying to find out who have guns. Also with the affordable health care laws, will a person be deemed worthy of treating.

quote:

. And the doctor is covering bases with the responsibility he would face had he not asked or had a 'baseline' to go from.

Mary Ruth, I acknowledge that you have much more experience with the medical community than I, but what I am speaking of is not coming from the doctor. The physicians in the practice that treats me do not like these "wellness" exams nor the questions on the forms. They are not designed by the medical community.

I am afraid you may not be reading what I am writing.

"So, the question should be 'WHO is going to benefit, and is this part of the new Obamacare thing' where socialized medicine (and I am familiar with Canada's system) where treatment is portioned out and you get on a waiting list. At a certain age, and condition, certain procedures will be denied."

This does express part of my concern, but not only that it would be Obamacare but care evaluated by the UN not the United states of America.

I understand this borders on the politi*cal picture in the Global world, not just the US.

I won't go there any further, this is not the forum for that.

I was basically saying is that your statements showed you were concerned. My advice was to talk to your designated family members who will make sure your rights are protected and you have someone aware of your worries that is a family member.

quote:

I was basically saying is that your statements showed you were concerned. My advice was to talk to your designated family members who will make sure your rights are protected and you have someone aware of your worries that is a family member.

My concern does not have to do with my health. There is nothing my family members can do about what I am concerned about, anymore than anyone can do. I am sharing this information to make others aware and maybe if instances arise in their own lives or in the lives of others they are close to it will be familiar to them.

I thought I was being naive, but now think I'm just plain ig norant! I feel like you're speaking a foreign language for goodness sake...what the heck does the UN have to do with Medicare? I'm lost here.....

Belstone, I don't know how old you are but everyone who enrolls in medicare will have to take this exam. So if you are currently under 65 you will find out.

If you are older and already on medicare you can choose or not choose to take it.

BTW my first answer to you got pulled a/c I mentioned a week from Tuesday. Just the name of what will happen then.

Please re-read my first paragraph, the part in large type. The description of the exam is exactly what I would have said about the one I was given.

After reading all of the individual comments, my suggestion is to give up as little information about yourself as possible in order to have your doctor help you. Do not volunteer too much. I leave a lot of questions unanswered on the forms and no one "comes after me."
I recently was sent this info re: the HIPPA "Privacy" forms.

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SIGN HIPAA "PRIVACY" FORMS
http://www.cchfreedom.org/pdf/...0goodfaith2..130.pdf

Federal law only requires that the clinic or hospital make a good faith effort to obtain your signature on the form. Contrary to popular belief, signing this form does not provide you with any privacy or consent rights...and it could be used against you if you ever declare that your privacy rights have been violated. If signed, the clinic or hospital could point to your signature and tell you that you knew that your private data was going to be shared broadly.

The Administrative Simplification section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) eliminated longstanding legal written informed patient consent requirements for the sharing of private medical data. Thus, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes in the final rule that approximately 600,000 entities, plus their business associates, may now be given access to your private medical data without consent. Thus, the "privacy" Notice simply informs you about the purposes for which your health data can be shared without your consent and the types of entities with whom it may be shared.

To assert your right to refuse signing the Notice, you may simply refuse to sign the Notice of Privacy Practices section on the consent form. You may cross out the Notice of Privacy Practices section and refuse to sign it. You may refuse to sign it even if they ask you to sign that you refused to sign it. You may also file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated.

The federal law does NOT protect your privacy. It actually opened your medical records allowing them to be computerized and placed online in anticipation of creating a National Health Information Network, which was recently given $20 billion by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (HITECH ACT, economic stimulus, Feb 2009)

Before You Act: Some clinics are now incorporating the Notice within their consent for treatment forms. You may choose to cross out the lines related to the Notice of Privacy Practices. Keep in mind that most clinic staff believe the document actually protects privacy. This is your opportunity to educate them. Copy and share the federal language in the documents.
If your clinic refuses to treat you because you refuse to sign the form, notify CCHC in writing with the details of your encounter.
Citizens Council for Health Freedom: info@cchfreedom.org

quote:

Originally posted by lady of shallot:
Belstone, I don't know how old you are but everyone who enrolls in medicare will have to take this exam. So if you are currently under 65 you will find out.

If you are older and already on medicare you can choose or not choose to take it.

If you can choose whether or not to take it, what's the problem? Choose not to. I AM over 65 and on Medicare, but have not encountered this wellness exam (my understanding is that it cannot be given until 12 months AFTER the "welcome to Medicare" initial exam). I'm still wondering about the UN component of this discussion...what does the UN have to do with Medicare?

quote:

If you can choose whether or not to take it, what's the problem?

Although I have sent you a p.m. Belstone, will answer this question here. If you don't understand what it is, there seems no reason not to take it. That is why I am posting this here so others can be aware of my opinion of it.

I had the test last year-went in for my yearly physical and dr. said he did the wellness exam to save me money as a full physical is not covered under Medicare and nothing had changed with me or my bloodwork stats. There were some memory tests as well. I wasn't insulted by the questions- maybe because my MIL at the time was still alive and living with Alzheimers. Maybe if her doc had asked some of those questions she could have been diagnosed much sooner before it became too late to do so.

Mama Spoon, you say that your doctor "gave you the wellness" exam. What does that mean? this is supposed to be the choice of the patient. Did you fill out 11+ p.p. of questions and answers?

What memory tests did you receive?

There was no exam in my case. Only a talk with the doctor AFTER I filled out the 11+ pp of questions. The doctor never referred to these pages. I could have answered them in any way and he would not have known it.

Don't provide any information to anyone if they won't give a good explanation of what the information will be used for.

Don't believe everything you read online or anywhere else. Unesco has nothing to do with wellness exams.

Well I had a nice lengthy reply but the mods said it had a trigger word- we'll see if it appears later. LOS if you have questions go back to drs office and get an explanation. Also read the official Medicare site to read explanation on what a wellness exam covers.

quote:

Also read the official Medicare site to read explanation on what a wellness exam covers.

Actually the medicare site does not cover the questions that are asked on a wellness exam. I have taken it and both the doctor and I agree that it is impractical and not useful but is required now (for new patients just going onto Medicare) it is what Medicare offers in place of an annual exam.

quote:

Don't provide any information to anyone if they won't give a good explanation of what the information will be used for.

Chuck, this "wellness exam"is required for all new patients to Medicare. I considered the questions very inappropriate, for most people, invasive and manipulative. However if one wants medical attention through medicare the exam is mandated. (It's not an exam in the way we think of a medical procedure. . . it is filling out questionaires and talking to the doctor.

We all know who we have to thank for it....

quote:

Originally posted by lady of shallot:

quote:

Don't provide any information to anyone if they won't give a good explanation of what the information will be used for.

Chuck, this "wellness exam"is required for all new patients to Medicare. I considered the questions very inappropriate, for most people, invasive and manipulative. However if one wants medical attention through medicare the exam is mandated. (It's not an exam in the way we think of a medical procedure. . . it is filling out questionaires and talking to the doctor.

LOS, I've been following this thread with much interest and plan to discuss it with my 80's something parents. The "wellness exam" is NOT a physical exam, right? This exam doesn't require a co-pay where as the physical does? Did you just answer questions and talk with your physician? No vitals, lab, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc?

quote:

The "wellness exam" is NOT a physical exam, right? This exam doesn't require a co-pay where as the physical does? Did you just answer questions and talk with your physician? No vitals, lab, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc?

Hi Georgia Peach, your parents would not be required to take it (nor was I) as they have been on medicare for too long. The questions I answered were in written form on about 11pp. Four of the pages were sent to my home and I took the completed forms with me and was shocked to learn that I had many more to fill out. These questions were not asked by the physician.

I was weighed and measured and my blood pressure taken, by the nurse. The doctor only talked to me and took my blood pressure again as it was high. He also listened to my heart (which I believe he should not have done according to the strictures of the wellness exam) he did this because I have atrial fibrulation.

The completed forms are to be kept in my file in case medicare ever wants "to see them" (this the doctor told me.)

There is no co pay for these wellness exam. But annual physical exams are no longer covered by medicare so if a patient wants one they would have to pay in full.

One other thing I thought a little unusual is that the doctor asked me about my DD's health, but no questions about siblings or parents.

I will pass up Medicare then.

quote:

Originally posted by NitaH:
I will pass up Medicare then.

WOW NitaH, I haven't seem you here in a long time. I wondered about you. How have you been???

quote:

Originally posted by NitaH:
I will pass up Medicare then.

If only you had that choice...

I still think this is much ado about nothing.