FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a wellness visit?

Your annual wellness visit includes the following:

• A review of your medical and surgical history
• Screenings - we generally follow screening recommendations of the USPSTF
• Blood tests
• Immunizations - we follow the vaccine schedules published by the CDC
• A physical exam
• Counseling to prevent future health problems

How should I prepare for my visit?

Please check in via Connect up to 5 days before your visit to make sure we have your most up-to-date information, including your medications, medical history and insurance. You will be able to update these, along with your preferred pharmacy. You can also review and update your responses to your health questionnaire.

Please fast for at least 4 hours prior to your visit. You may drink water or black coffee, and take your maintenance medications. Pediatric and Gynecology patients should not fast.

On the day of your appointment, please arrive on time and bring your insurance card and ID.

What if I need to ask my doctor about a specific medical issue?

Specific issues are considered part of a follow-up or “sick” visit. These aspects of your visit will be billed to your insurance, and you may be responsible for copayments, coinsurance or deductible payments, based on the terms of your policy.

If you would like to address non-routine concerns during your wellness visit, you can let your doctor know about these issues when you schedule your appointment. Depending on their complexity, the questions may need to be dealt with at a later time.

What does a follow-up or “sick” visit include?

• Treatment of a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
• Addressing any new problems or complaints
• Your need for new medications or tests
• Referrals to a specialist
• Exploring additional treatment options

What is a Medicare annual wellness visit and what does it include?

The Medicare annual wellness visit, covered by Medicare, allows your health-care provider to conduct a health risk assessment and propose screenings and prevention strategies. As well, your provider will make sure all your immunizations, cancer screenings and other screenings are discussed and scheduled.

Your Medicare wellness visit does not include a detailed physical exam or management of chronic or new medical problems. Your physician may be able to perform a complete physical and address new or existing medical issues during your Medicare annual wellness visit, but you could incur additional charges.

What to expect during your Medicare annual wellness visit?

At your Medicare annual wellness visit, your health care provider will:

• Review your blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
• Review your current health problems, as well as your medical, surgical, family, and social histories
• Review your current medications
• Conduct a health risk assessment
• Provide nutrition counseling
• Discuss an exercise plan to fit your lifestyle
• Discuss smoking cessation and arrange for counseling, if needed
• Discuss fall prevention
• Discuss advance care planning
• Discuss preventive screenings recommended by evidence-based practice guidelines that are indicated for you based upon your age, risk factors, and family history

How to prepare for your Medicare wellness visit

Bring these items to your visit:

• Immunization records
• A list of current prescribed medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter medications
• A list of your patient care team—any specialists you see for various types of care
• Be prepared to review your family medical history

Can I combine a Medicare or non-Medicare wellness visit with a follow up visit?

Combining a wellness visit with a follow-up office visit will save you time by eliminating an extra appointment, but doing so may affect your costs. Additional concerns beyond a wellness visit may be billed to your insurance, which can result in unplanned out-of-pocket costs to you. For these reasons, Weill Cornell Primary Care recommends that you schedule your annual wellness visit and any follow-up or sick office visits separately.

What are the most important points I need to keep in mind?

• Review your insurance plan’s summary of benefits before your appointment to understand what your insurance company will or will not cover.
• When scheduling a wellness visit, clearly state that you would like to make an appointment for your annual wellness or preventive care exam. That will help the practice prepare for your visit and bill your insurance company appropriately.
• When you speak with your doctor or other practitioner, let them know you are there for a wellness exam. Or, if you need to discuss a specific concern that may require treatment, make sure to bring their attention to any non-routine concerns at the start of your appointment.

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Insulin is a hormone that plays a critical role in converting food into energy. 

After you eat something, the food breaks down into glucose (a source of energy for your body). With enough insulin, it allows your body to break down glucose and provide energy to your cells. 

However, with diabetes, your body is either unable to produce enough insulin or can’t make proper use of the insulin. 

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body mistakenly attacks healthy pancreas cells, preventing adequate insulin production. Most people with this type of diabetes need supplemental insulin to function properly. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which you cannot make proper use of insulin and experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Most people with diabetes have Type 2, which is closely linked to carrying excess weight or an unhealthy lifestyle. 

Pregnant women can also develop gestational diabetes (a condition that usually resolves after childbirth). Women who experience gestational diabetes will carry an elevated risk for Type 2 diabetes for the rest of their lives.

What are the health risks associated with diabetes?

Diabetes makes it hard for your cells to get the energy they need to thrive. This can also cause many health problems, which can negatively impact your quality of life. 

Some health issues that can develop in people with diabetes include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney damage
• Neuropathy
• Alzheimer’s
• Foot problems
• Eye disease
• Depression
• Skin conditions
• Sexual dysfunction

These are just a few of the potential complications that can develop in people with diabetes, but it may include other complications as well.

Are there treatments that can help with diabetes?

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to treat diabetes. At East Side Primary Medical Care, Dr. Klein works closely with you to find the right diabetes care plan for your specific needs. 

 Supplemental insulin is a common treatment for diabetes and helps the glucose enter your cells, where it fuels all kinds of bodily functions. 

 On the other hand, medications might play a role in treating your diabetes. Some medications can prompt your pancreas to produce additional insulin, while others change the way your liver converts food into glucose. There are medications that increase sensitivity to insulin and options that prevent your kidneys from removing excess glucose from your blood. 

 In addition, lifestyle modifications can go a long way toward improving diabetes. Dr. Klein can help you find ways to improve your nutrition and get more exercise into your daily routine, both of which can help you lose excess pounds and better control your blood sugar. 

 To schedule an appointment for diabetes care, call the East Side Primary Medical Care office in Upper East Side, New York, or book online today. 

Physical Exams: Physical exams are an essential part of preventive health care and should be a top priority for all adults and seniors. At Palmetto Internal Medi, Daniel Klein, MD, FACP, offers comprehensive physical exams to help you learn and understand how your body is functioning, as well as provide health recommendations to optimize your overall well-being. To schedule an appointment for a physical exam, call the office in Upper East Side, New York, or book online today.

Physical Exam Q & A

Why are physical exams so important?

Routine physical exams are the starting point for excellent health. 

Some people avoid going to see a doctor until an injury or illness arises, but this approach makes it hard to understand your current health condition and prevent any health complications or risk for certain health conditions. It may be more beneficial to your overall health to take a proactive approach. 

At your physical exam, you receive the screenings appropriate for your age, sex, and overall health. It also offers the opportunity for you to discuss any concerns with your doctor and get guidance on any aspect of health and wellness. 

Most adults benefit from coming in for an annual physical exam. When you see your doctor on a regular basis, your doctor may be able to catch any health issues in the early stages (when treatment is often most effective).  

What happens during a physical exam?

During the first part of your visit, Dr. Klein will gather information about your vital signs and basic functions. He’ll begin by checking your height, weight, and the following:

• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Skin condition
• Vision and hearing
• Reflexes
• Temperature
• Basic neurological function

All of the information gathered during this part of the exam is added to your personal medical record, a document that helps you and your doctor keep track of your health over time. 

What should I do to prepare for my physical exam?

A bit of preparation can help you get the most out of your physical exam. Begin by compiling a list of any medications or supplements you’re taking. Also, be prepared to share the details of any health conditions you are currently being treated for, as well as an overview of your family health history. 

If you have questions or concerns you’d like to discuss during your visit, consider writing them down. It’s easy to get distracted during your exam, so having a list to refer to can make it easier to get the information you need. 

To schedule an appointment for a physical exam, call the East Side Primary Medical Care office in Upper East Side, New York, or book online today.