Understanding Your Annual Wellness Visit

An annual wellness visit is a preventive check-up that is a dedicated time for providers and patients to discuss procedures, immunizations, and health screenings that you need to remain healthy. This visit is highly recommended by the American Medical Association, and preventive screenings are covered by most insurers.  

How is it different from a physical?

During a wellness visit, you may bring up a medical concern which prompts a physical exam, and during a physical you may discuss wellness concerns. The two are billed as separate visits, and if you choose to get an annual wellness exam, speak to your insurer about how you can expect to be billed.

When should I schedule my visit?

We recommend that you contact your provider at the beginning of the year to schedule this visit. It’s important to start the year on the right foot with healthy habits, and an annual wellness visit with your provider can help you do that.

What’s involved in an annual wellness visit?

An annual wellness visit includes:  

• Taking your complete personal and family medical history
• Measuring your height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and other measurements based on your history
• Listing all your current health care providers
• Assessing your potential risk for mental health issues
• Creating a screening checklist for the next 5 to 10 years

An annual wellness visit doesn’t include:  

• Undergoing a physical examination
• Diagnosing new conditions
• Treating existing, chronic, or new conditions
• Labs, x-rays, and similar testing 
• Refilling medications

The annual wellness visit typically does not include any type of treatment in the provider’s office. Instead, patients will need to schedule a follow-up appointment for additional screenings if any concerns arise during the wellness visit. Please note that this follow-up appointment will not be covered as a wellness visit and be billed as a standard outpatient visit.  

Anything discussed that isn’t part of your preventive or annual wellness exam will be subject to your copay, coinsurance, or deductible. These exceptions include chronic disease management, medication management, or new acute medical concerns.

If you have any questions about the annual wellness visit, including what it covers or the benefits of scheduling one, reach out to your primary care provider today or find a provider if you don’t have one.