What is an Annual Wellness Visit and Do You Need One?

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

Listen to audio version

You may have heard the term “Annual Wellness Visit” in relation to a Medicare plan or another health incentive, but you might be unsure what this appointment is all about. What is included in an Annual Wellness Visit? And should you schedule one for yourself? Here’s what to know.

What is an annual wellness visit?

An Annual Wellness Visit, also referred to as an AWV, is a Medicare-covered, preventative care appointment designed to help individuals maintain their health and well-being as they age. “Unlike a traditional physical exam, the AWV focuses on prevention, assessing risks, and creating a personalized plan to address those risks before they become major health issues,” says Tanner Gish, Director of Operations at Loving Homecare Inc.

“The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is one of the most important pieces to a retirees health routine that there is,” suggests Dan Hardle, Chief Executive Officer at Medicare Advocates. He describes the appointment as “a preventative check-in with your doctor” and emphasizes that it is different from a regular physical. “This service aims to uncover the big picture of your health,” he explains. “Many people, as they age, tend to hide some of their health issues. This visit is a way for your doctor to do a proper risk assessment.”

What may be included in this annual visit?

During the visit, a doctor will run a health risk assessment, checking vital signs such as your height, weight, and blood pressure. “Commonly, you will be asked questions about your vision, hearing, and routine,” says Hardle. Doctors, he adds, will also often ask about any support you receive at home, if you need help eating, bathing, or moving around your home. They may also review your family and medical history, review your list of current prescriptions and set you up with a screening schedule for appropriate preventative services. The physician may talk to you about advance care planning options and give you personalized health advice. You can also opt in for a “Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment,” which can help your provider understand your social needs and their impact on your treatment, such as your living environment, access to food, employment status, family circumstances, and more.

What are the possible benefits?

“You are not required to schedule or come in for an Annual Wellness Visit,” says Hardle. But there are several reasons that he highly recommends them.

There is no cost for Medicare Part B Participants: “First, it's free if you have Medicare Part B, and if your doctor accepts Medicare,” says Hardle. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is considered preventative care, which means that there are no co-pays or co-insurances for this visit and you are given one per year. Hardle says it’s also covered before your deductible is met and generally, you will have no out-of-pocket cost for attending your Annual Wellness Visit.

Note: To qualify for an AWV, you will need to have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months.

It can help with early detection: Additionally, this appointment can help you to catch early signs of illnesses common in seniors. “The Wellness Visit checks for signs of dementia, depression and anxiety, memory loss, and other cognitive dysfunction,” says Hardle. The appointment can also assess your long-term ability to care for yourself. “By attending, you can receive early care for any conditions your doctor may notice,” adds Hardle.

An AWV can simplify preventative care: The appointment can also make scheduling other important health services easier. “Your doctor may schedule mammograms, colonoscopies, and other health screenings,” says Hardle.

You will walk away with a personalized health plan: This visit can help you plan for long-term care, should there be concern for your cognitive state. “If your doctor finds signs of dementia, you will need someone who can speak for your care,” Hardle explains. And if your physical health has degraded, and you are no longer able to feed, bathe, or get to the bathroom yourself, you need someone or someplace to assist you, this visit can help you get the required accommodations.

You should keep up with your annual physicals and the wellness visit is not a replacement for that. But unlike a traditional physical exam, an AWV is designed to assess your health risks, review your medical history, and develop a personalized plan to help you stay healthy and independent, says Dr. Edmond Hakimi, Medical Director of Wellbridge. “It’s a proactive way to take control of your health as you age and ensure your care aligns with your specific needs,” he adds. These appointments are not mandatory but can be beneficial to take advantage of them to stay on top of your health.

To schedule, call your primary care physician’s office or ask your insurance provider for help on how to set one up.

_{The above content is shared for educational and informational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before beginning any diet, exercise, or fitness program, taking any additional or discontinuing any existing medications, or acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}