Medicare will not allow physicians to perform and bill for an annual complete exam. They state that this is not a covered service. They will pay for physicians visits that are directly related to a medical problem. Only in very rare cases where a patient has many complicated medical problems will Medicare reimburse a physician for the complete exam.

The physicians of the Highgate Medical Group, P.C. do not want to discourage our Medicare patients from a thorough annual exam; however, we must inform you that you, the patient, will be responsible for the charges. If during the course of an annual exam we identify a medical problem for which we can bill Medicare, the amount of your charge will be decreased by the amount Medicare allows for the problem-oriented exam.

If you desire a complete annual exam please let your provider know.

We are sorry for any inconvenience or misunderstanding this policy may cause.

If you are as confused as we are about this Medicare policy decision, which refuses to pay for preventative care, please write to your U.S. Congressman or Senator to express your concern.

Sincerely,
The Doctors of the Highgate Medical Group, P.C.