by
Astrid Fiano, DOTmed News Writer | July 01, 2010
DOTmed zooms in
on key reform issues
The health reform law doesn't only provide for expanded coverage of health care, strong measures are included to start various prevention and wellness initiatives. Some of these initiatives begin in 2011. But as previously reported in DOTmed
CMS has already announced a proposed rule, on some of these prevention measures. The prevention and wellness measures slated to begin in 2011 are discussed in detail below.
Medicare Deductibles Waived
One of the most significant changes is that Medicare deductibles for covered preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (rated A or B) and for colorectal cancer screening tests will be waived.
Next, the Department of Health and Human Services will set up an ambitious program--providing Medicare coverage for an annual wellness visit for beneficiaries, which will provide both a personalized prevention plan and health risk assessment.
The health risk assessment would be completed prior to or as part of the same visit. The prevention plan will take into account the results of the health risk assessment, including:
--Establishment of, or an update to, the individual's medical and family history;
--A list of current providers and all prescribed medications;
--Measurements of height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and other routine measurements;
--Detection of any cognitive impairment.
The plan will also establish or update a screening schedule for the next 5 to 10 years based on recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the patient's health status, screening history, and age-appropriate preventive services.
The plan will take into account any risk factors and conditions for which prevention interventions are recommended or are underway, including any mental health conditions or risk factors that have been identified through an initial preventive physical examination, and a list of treatment options and their associated risks and benefits.
The plan will also have personalized health advice and referrals to health education or preventive counseling services, to programs aimed at reducing identified risk factors and improving self-management, or to community-based lifestyle interventions to reduce health risks and promote self-management and wellness. These wellness factors may be weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation, fall prevention, and nutrition.
