The Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). It is to create or update your personal wellness plan. This plan may help prevent illness. Keep in mind that this wellness visit is not a head-to-toe physical. Your health plan covers annual wellness visits at no charge to you.
Your provider may offer virtual or telehealth options. These virtual visits can be done in the comfort and safety of your home. This allows you to make a decision that is the safest for you and your family.
Who can perform an Annual Wellness Visit?
PCPs that perform these visits include:
- Doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Other health professionals
What is a telehealth visit? These virtual visits are:
- An appointment with your PCP
- Completed through the microphone and/or camera on your mobile device, computer, or tablet
- A great way to monitor your health and well-being
What should you bring to the visit?
You should bring:
- Your completed Health Risk Assessment
- A complete list of your medications (this includes vitamins and over-the-counter drugs)
- You could also bring your medication bottles for the doctor to review
- A list of your top two to three concerns or questions for the doctor
- Tell your doctor if you have concerns about your memory or a chronic health condition (such as diabetes, heart disease, or depression)
- To ease any discomfort, consider bringing a family member or friend with you to the appointment
What to Expect
During your first Annual Wellness Visit, your primary care provider will develop your personal wellness plan in addition to potentially performing the following:
- Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements
- Assess health risk factors like injury risks, behavioral risks, and urgent health needs
- Review your functional ability and level of safety
- This may include screening for hearing impairments and your risk of falling
- Your primary care provider must also assess your ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing and dressing)
- Discuss your family medical and mental health history
- Make a list of your current providers and medications which include prescribed medications and supplements
- Mental health screening
- Provide health referrals to health education and/or preventive counseling services such as how to stop smoking
- Set up additional appointments or visits to conduct other services that may be necessary due to age or gender:
- Cancer screenings like mammograms, colon tests, or bone density
- Orders for lab work to manage chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes
