Checking in with your clinician every year is critical for staying on top of the Preventive Health Screenings that keep you healthy and strong all year long. Annual wellness visits provide the perfect opportunity to touch base with your clinician and make sure you’re on track with your personalized health plan. 

Why an annual wellness visit is important

Patients over 65 who sign up for Medicare coverage have a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit within the first 12 months of their coverage. After that, if they choose standard Medicare coverage, they can opt to have an Annual Wellness Visit every year with the purpose of creating a personalized prevention plan. 

An annual wellness visit is different from an annual physical

It is a common misconception that annual wellness visits and annual physicals are the same. The key difference is that an annual physical exam is more extensive than an annual wellness visit. Annual physical exams involve a head to toe physical exam and include bloodwork and other tests. The annual wellness visit will just include checking routine measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure. Be sure to prepare for your annual wellness visit by coming early and having your updated medication list ready.

Given the impact annual wellness visits may have on your overall health, it is critical to schedule (and not skip!) your yearly appointment. Reach out to your primary care clinician to schedule yours.