Preventive care or a waste of time for docs, patients?

[StarTribune, July 04, 2011] This year Medicare announced it would cover free annual wellness visits for older people.

The wellness screenings emerged as one of the signature benefits of the big federal health overhaul that Congress passed last year -- an effort to catch problems early, keep patients healthier and cut future Medicare costs.

Some doctors, however, are having second thoughts. Others say mastering the "somewhat clunky" regulations is worthwhile.

"It's helping me do a good job of screening for health and safety issues," said Dr. Rod Christensen, a family practice physician in Northfield and chief medical officer for the 42 Allina Medical Clinics.