Report on Special Investigation of Building Stronger Families, January 1, 2000 through May 14th, 2003

Other Audit Reports - Special Investigation

Health Care and Public Transit; Your Ticket to Health Care Access, 2005

Transportation is an important health care issue. The majority of the population here in Iowa have ready access and typically use private automobiles to access health care and other community services. There is also a significant segment of the population that either does not have access to a personal automobile or is not currently capable of driving. This can potentially limit their access to health care, but it has greater health implications because it can also limit access to nutrition and other community services, as well as involvement in social activities. For people unable to drive themselves, the alternatives generally include reliance on family, friends, volunteer groups, and public transit. Many choose transit because it gives them a degree of independence. Public transit is often used to supplement other options even when they are available. It becomes critical in circumstances where the other options don’t exist. In many cases there may be no family available or they may not always be able to get off work when travel needs arise during the workday. Friends may be in similar circumstances and volunteer groups may be either unavailable or overwhelmed. The fact that many patients depend on public transit to get to and from health care appointments makes it beneficial for health care professionals to get to know more about public transit and how it operates here in Iowa.

Welcome To Medicare Physical Exam, September 2007

Medicare will cover a one-time preventive physical exam within the first six months that you have Part B. This benefit is for all Medicare beneficiaries including those under age 65. How much does the exam cost? You pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount after you meet the yearly Part B deductible ($131 for 2007). Since this exam may be your first Medicare-covered service, you could meet your entire Part B deductible for the year. Medicare will cover the exam if performed by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. What should I expect during the exam? The “Welcome to Medicare Physical” will include the following: 1. A review of your medical and social history. 2. A review of your potential risk factors for depression. 3. A review of your functional ability and level of safety. 4. Blood pressure, height, weight and vision test 5. An electrocardiogram (EKG) 6. Education and counseling on the above five items. 7. A written plan explaining screenings and other recommended preventive services. All seven elements must be documented in order for the physical to be covered by Medicare. The exam does not include clinical laboratory tests. Medicare will pay for a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms for beneficiaries who are at risk (has a family history or a man age 65 to 75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his lifetime.) Only Medicare beneficiaries who receive a referral from the Welcome to Medicare physical exam will be covered for this benefit. There is no Part B deductible, but you or your supplemental insurance will be responsible for the coinsurance. What should I take to the exam? You should bring the following when you go to your “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam: • Medical records, including immunization records (if you are seeing a doctor for the first time) • Family health history • A list of current prescription drugs, how often you take them, and why.