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Medicare's Wellness Program

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There has been a great deal of talk about health care and preventive medicine in case you haven't noticed. If you are on Medicare there are many health benefits you might not be aware of and they are designed to help keep you healthy.

Medicare covers a wide range of services. For instance, if you are new to Medicare there is a welcome to Medicare visit.

Within twelve months of joining Medicare you are entitled to a comprehensive exam. During this visit your doctor can review your medical history, give you basic health tests and referrals to specialists when required.

There are also yearly wellness exams. You can get a check up every twelve months even if you never had a welcome visit.

The other thing you should know is that screenings for cancer and other diseases are available. If you have listened to me long enough you know that I am all about prevention. And, Medicare can be a big help.

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