Understanding the Three Key Words for Your Medicare Wellness Exam: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Introduction: Why Three Words Matter in Your Medicare Wellness Exam

The Medicare wellness exam, available annually for eligible beneficiaries, is designed to help you maintain your health and prevent potential problems before they arise. One unique aspect of this exam is a short cognitive assessment, where you’ll be asked to remember three unrelated words. This simple exercise provides valuable insight into your cognitive function, helping your healthcare provider assess memory and recall, which are important for early detection of issues like dementia or mild cognitive impairment [1] . In this article, we’ll explain what these three words are, why they’re used, and how you can make the most of your Medicare wellness exam.

What Are the Three Words for the Medicare Wellness Exam?

During your Medicare wellness exam, your provider will typically ask you to remember three unrelated words, such as “banana,” “sunrise,” and “chair” [1] . Later in the visit, you’ll be asked to recall these words. This process is a well-established method in cognitive screening, helping to identify early signs of memory loss or cognitive decline [2] . While the specific words may vary, “banana, sunrise, chair” are among the most commonly used.

Why These Words?

The chosen words are unrelated and easy to visualize, making them effective for testing short-term memory. The simplicity of this assessment allows for quick administration without causing stress or confusion for most patients. If you have difficulty remembering the words, it may prompt your provider to suggest additional evaluation or support.

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The Broader Purpose: Preventive, Yearly, and Personalized Care

While the three-word recall is a memorable part of the exam, it’s just one component. The essence of the Medicare wellness exam can be summed up by three guiding principles: preventive , yearly , and personalized [3] .

• Preventive: The exam focuses on identifying health risks early through screenings, vaccinations, and health advice. Preventive care helps address potential issues before they become more serious.
• Yearly: Eligible Medicare beneficiaries can receive this wellness exam once every 12 months. Consistent, annual checkups are key to tracking health trends over time.
• Personalized: Your provider uses the information gathered during the exam to create a customized prevention plan, tailored to your health history, current conditions, and specific needs.

Step-by-Step Guidance: How to Prepare for Your Medicare Wellness Exam

Getting the most from your Medicare wellness exam involves a few simple steps:

1. Schedule Your Exam: Contact your primary care provider’s office to book your annual Medicare wellness visit. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, ask your provider or contact Medicare directly by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
2. Bring Necessary Documents: Take your Medicare card, a list of all current medications (including supplements), and any relevant medical records or test results to your appointment.
3. Prepare Your Health History: Be ready to discuss your personal and family medical history, any recent changes in your health, and any concerns you may have.
4. Be Ready for the Cognitive Assessment: During the exam, listen carefully to the three words your provider asks you to remember. Don’t worry if you feel uncertain-this is not a pass/fail test, but an important screening tool to help monitor your cognitive health.
5. Discuss Preventive Services: Ask about recommended screenings, immunizations, or lifestyle changes that could benefit your health. Your provider will help set goals and develop a personalized prevention plan.

What Happens If You Struggle to Remember the Words?

If you have difficulty recalling the three words, your provider may suggest further cognitive testing or refer you to a specialist. Early detection of cognitive changes is crucial for timely intervention and support. Remember, many factors-such as stress, fatigue, or anxiety-can temporarily affect memory, so one missed recall does not necessarily indicate a serious problem [4] .

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Real-World Example: A Patient’s Experience

Many patients find the three-word recall to be a simple, non-threatening part of their wellness exam. For example, a patient may be asked, “Please remember these three words: banana, sunrise, chair.” After discussing other aspects of their health, the provider will then ask them to repeat the words. Most patients can recall the words, but if not, it provides a starting point for further conversation about memory and brain health [2] .

Alternative Approaches and Additional Screenings

Some providers may use different words or additional simple tasks, such as drawing a clock or answering questions about current events, to further assess cognitive function. These tools are designed to be accessible and minimally invasive, ensuring that all patients receive appropriate screening without unnecessary stress [4] .

How to Access the Medicare Wellness Exam

The Medicare wellness exam may be available at no cost if your provider accepts Medicare assignment. To confirm your coverage and eligibility, you can:

• Contact your healthcare provider’s office and ask if they offer the Medicare wellness exam.
• Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for information on benefits and participating providers.
• Visit the official Medicare website and search for “Annual Wellness Visit” to find detailed coverage information. Please note that while the official site is https://www.medicare.gov/ , always verify the information and avoid entering sensitive information on unfamiliar websites.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Some patients may feel anxious about memory tests or worry about a possible diagnosis. Solution: Remember that the three-word recall is a standard part of preventive care and is not a definitive test for serious conditions. Open communication with your provider about any concerns can help ensure you get the support you need.

Challenge: Confusion about what the wellness exam covers. Solution: The Medicare wellness exam is not a traditional physical. It focuses on preventive care, risk assessment, and personalized planning. Blood work and other diagnostic tests are not included unless specifically related to preventive care.

Key Takeaways

To summarize, the three words-often “banana, sunrise, chair”-are used to assess memory and cognitive function during your Medicare wellness exam. The guiding principles of the exam are preventive, yearly, and personalized care. Taking proactive steps, such as bringing your medical information and being open about any health concerns, helps you get the most benefit from this important annual visit.

References

• [1] The Medicare Family (2024). Can You Refuse Medicare Wellness Visit? Explains cognitive assessment and three-word recall.
• [2] The Independent (2018). Medicare wellness exams: Banana, sunrise, chair. A first-person experience of the test.
• [3] Business Guide 360 (2024). What Are The 3 Words To Remember For Medicare Wellness Exam? Video explanation.
• [4] Alzheimer’s Association (2013). Cognitive Assessment Toolkit. PDF with workflow and cognitive testing details.