You may be at risk for osteoporosis. Without proper check-ups, you can feel like it came out of nowhere. If you think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement. This test can help prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage, when treatment works best. 

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can ask your doctor to order a bone mass measurement test at no cost to you. This can only be done once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary to you.

In order to keep your bones from getting weak, remember to:

• Eat healthy foods that support bone health
• Exercise with weights
• Don’t smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption

During an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), your physician will do a fully check up with you. This may include a cognitive assessment to make sure you aren’t showing signs of dementia. Even though Medicare covers one AWV a year, Medicare Part B also covers a separate visit with your doctor, or a specialist, to fully review your cognitive function. By focusing only on your cognitive ability, you physician can establish or confirm a diagnosis like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and create a personalized care plan.