Medicare Preventive Services

Depression Screening

Few things are more important than preventive care when it comes to maintaining your health. Regular checkups and diagnostic procedures are the key to detecting many health concerns in their earliest stages, when the prognosis and chances for a full recovery are best. Especially when it comes to serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease, the earlier you know what you’re up against, the better.

The same applies to conditions that aren’t necessarily life-threatening. Regardless of the scale of an ailment or condition, the earlier it’s detected, the better. Knowing early what you’re dealing with can make all the difference when you and your doctor or practitioner decide what course of action you should take.

Dealing with a problem early usually means you have several viable options to choose from and an excellent chance of success. Early detection is likely to help your pocketbook as well. Not only can preventive care save your life, it can save you thousands of dollars.

Depression Screening

If you suspect you’re suffering from depression, you should talk to your doctor about getting a depression screening. This test can help detect depression at an early stage when treatment works best.

Medicare covers one depression screening per year in a primary care setting that can provide follow-up treatment and referrals.

Anyone on Medicare is eligible for depression screenings. Under Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) you pay nothing for your covered depression screening as long as your doctor or health care provider accepts assignment. Any follow-up treatments may require co-payment. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan, follow-up treatments may be covered. Check with your plan to see whether this is the case.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may be required to see an approved specialist. Required co-payments and drug coverage may vary from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. You should contact your plan administrator to see what your plan provides regarding depression screening and treatment.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans), the cost of brand name or generic drugs related to your condition may be reduced.

As with any other health condition or problem, depression is best detected and treated early, so it’s important to take advantage of the depression screening service Medicare provides.

Medicare can go a long way toward providing the preventive care you need to maintain your good health—if you have the experience and knowledge to take advantage of it.

Contact MedicareMall now and let us save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

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