Physicians could see a dramatic increase in the number of Medicare beneficiaries seeking preventive services after the recent launch of the Centers for Medicare and Medic-aid Services' (CMS) "Share the News; Share the Health" campaign. The campaign aims to make Medicare patients aware of free preventive services available to them as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. As of January 1, 2011, beneficiaries can receive an annual wellness visit free of charge. During this visit, patients can work with their physician to develop and update a personalized health care plan that considers preventive services and additional services appropriate to their needs. Approximately 5.5 million beneficiaries have used one or more of the new preventive benefits, according to CMS; however, the campaign is aimed at the total Medicare population of 33 million.
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