The Baby Boomers Have Arrived!
Seventy eight million baby boomers born between 1945 and 1964 are turning 65 in 2010. No, it is not the Age of Aquarius, but the age of Medicare! Opportunity awaits the primary care practice that provides new Medicare beneficiaries with an Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE) better known as the “Welcome to Medicare” physical.
Those turning 65 are automatically informed by Medicare of this important benefit available to them, but many do not take advantage. Take a proactive step now to identify your patients who are about to turn 65, or those who have turned 65 recently, and contact them to schedule their “Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam.” Timing is especially important, as the IPPE physical is a payable benefit only when the beneficiary receives the services within the first 12 months of their Medicare coverage.
The IPPE physical first became a payable benefit for new Medicare beneficiaries whose Part B policies became effective on or after January 1, 2005. At that time the physical exam requirements were tedious. In 2009 however, the exam requirements were simplified making it easier for providers to render services. In addition, the Part B deductible for the visit is waived. Medicare payment for the IPPE increased in 2010 to approximately $129.22 to be more closely aligned with reimbursement for higher-level evaluation and management services.
This service is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your patients and to provide quality care while generating additional revenue. For more information about the Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE) benefit, exam requirements, and billing instructions, access the following links:
http://www.cms.gov/WelcometoMedicareExam/
http://www.cms.gov/WelcometoMedicareExam/02_Provider%20Resources.asp
http://www.cms.gov/ContractorLearningResources/downloads/JA6223.pdf
Dated material referenced in this article. Information is current as of June 2010.