By Josephine Wright, MD – Internal Medicine, Logan Health Primary Care
Staying healthy as we age starts with building good habits, and one of the most important is your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). If you haven’t had yours this year, now is the perfect time to schedule it. To help you understand what to expect and how this yearly visit can support your long-term health, Dr. Josephine Wright has answered some common questions about Medicare Annual Wellness Visits.
Q: What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a once-a-year appointment designed to help you stay healthy and independent. It is covered by Medicare at no cost to you and is available after you’ve had Part B coverage for at least 12 months.
Unlike a traditional “annual physical exam,” this visit is focused on prevention. During the appointment, we’ll talk about your overall health, review your medical history and medications, and create a personalized plan to support your wellness for the year ahead.
Q: What kinds of preventive care are included?
Preventive care is all about catching potential health concerns early and supporting healthy aging. During your wellness visit, we’ll check vital signs like blood pressure and weight, ask questions about your memory, mood, and risk of falling, and review your medications. Depending on your age and health history, we may recommend screenings such as:
- Bone density testing
- Colon cancer screening
- Lung cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Prostate cancer screening
- Bloodwork to screen for conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol
- STD screening
- Vaccinations
Many of these services can be scheduled after your visit, so we make sure you’re covered for the year ahead.
Q: What is not included in a wellness visit?
Your Annual Wellness Visit is focused on prevention, not diagnosing or treating existing health issues. If you have concerns such as abdominal pain, a suspicious skin lesion, or chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, or insomnia, these are considered “problem visits” and may need to be scheduled separately.
Insurance guidelines require that problem visits are billed differently, since they involve diagnosing, testing, or treatment. If we need to address these issues during your AWV, there may be an additional charge or copay.
Q: Why are Annual Wellness Visits important?
These visits allow us to step back and look at the big picture of your health. They help us catch risks early, ensure your screenings and vaccinations are up to date, and talk through ways to improve quality of life, from nutrition and exercise to fall prevention and mental wellness.
Studies show that patients who regularly attend their wellness visits often experience fewer hospitalizations and better long-term outcomes.
Q: How can I schedule my Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Scheduling is simple! Just call your primary care provider’s office and request a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Medicare covers one AWV every 12 months at no cost to you. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or due for your next one, our office staff will be happy to check.
Your health matters — today and for the years to come. Call us to schedule your visit and take that next step toward healthy aging.