Falls are preventable. The biggest wins are strength, balance, vision, and a safer home setup.
Do balance work two to three times weekly.
Review meds that may cause dizziness or sleepiness.
Improve lighting and remove trip hazards.
Medicare Coverage
Fall risk screening is commonly addressed during the AWV.
PT and related services may be covered when medically necessary.
Medicare Advantage may require in-network therapy and prior authorization.
Key takeaways
Strength + balance are top prevention tools.
AWV is a good annual fall-risk checkpoint.
Therapy coverage is usually “medically necessary.”
Good to Know
Provider Accepts Assignment
In Original Medicare, “accepts assignment” means a provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount as full payment (with you paying any required deductible/coinsurance). For many preventive services, using a provider who accepts assignment can help keep your costs lower and more predictable.