When life gets busy, routine healthcare appointments are often among the first things to be postponed. If you feel healthy and nothing seems wrong, scheduling a visit may not feel urgent. However, taking care of your health should not begin only when symptoms appear.
Annual wellness exams give you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to review your overall health, discuss potential risks and create a plan for the year ahead. These routine visits are an important part of preventive care for children, adults and seniors—even when you are feeling well.
Preventive Care Starts Before You Feel Sick
Sick visits focus on a specific illness, injury or symptom. Annual wellness exams take a broader look at your health.
Depending on your age, health history and individual needs, your visit may include a conversation about:
- Blood pressure and heart health
- Cholesterol or diabetes risk
- Recommended health screenings
- Immunizations
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Sleep habits
- Mental and emotional wellness
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Medications and possible side effects
- Family medical history
- Changes you have noticed since your last visit
Your provider can help you understand which screenings, services or lifestyle changes may be appropriate for you. Not every patient needs the same tests or follows the same preventive-care schedule.
Establish a Health Baseline
One of the biggest benefits of routine wellness visits is the ability to track your health over time. Measurements such as blood pressure, weight and other health indicators can create a baseline for future appointments. Even small changes may be easier to recognize when your provider has a consistent record of your health.
A single measurement does not always tell the entire story. Looking at changes over several visits can help your healthcare team identify patterns and determine whether additional evaluation or support may be helpful.
Identify Health Concerns Earlier
Some health conditions can develop without clear symptoms. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, for example, may not initially cause noticeable warning signs.
Routine appointments allow your provider to evaluate your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate screenings. Finding certain concerns earlier may provide more options for managing them before they become more serious.
Preventive care does not guarantee that every health problem will be avoided, but it can help you make informed decisions and take a more active role in your health.
Keep Screenings and Immunizations on Track
Recommended screenings and immunizations can change based on your age, medical history, family history and other risk factors.
During a wellness exam, your provider can review whether you may be due for services such as:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes screening
- Certain cancer screenings
- Depression or other mental health screening
- Age-appropriate immunizations
- Additional testing based on your health history
Your provider can help determine what is appropriate for you and explain the recommended timing for follow-up care.
Review Your Medications
If you take prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines or supplements, an annual visit is a good opportunity to review them with your healthcare provider.
Bring an updated medication list and be prepared to discuss:
- Whether each medication is still needed
- How well your medications are working
- Possible side effects
- Changes made by another provider
- Questions about when or how to take your medication
- Any difficulty obtaining or affording prescriptions
Do not stop or change a medication without first talking with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Make Mental Health Part of the Conversation
Wellness includes more than physical health. Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, sleep difficulties and other emotional concerns can affect your relationships, work and overall quality of life.
An annual wellness exam creates an opportunity to discuss changes in your mood, stress level, sleep or daily functioning. These conversations can help your provider understand the full picture of your health and connect you with additional support when appropriate.
You do not have to wait until a concern feels overwhelming to ask for help.
Ask the Questions You Have Been Putting Off
Many people leave a healthcare appointment and remember a question they meant to ask. Preparing beforehand can help you make the most of your visit.
Consider writing down questions such as:
- Am I due for any screenings or immunizations?
- Are my blood pressure and other health measurements where they should be?
- Should I be concerned about changes in my sleep, energy or mood?
- Are my medications still appropriate?
- What can I do to reduce my health risks?
- When should I schedule my next appointment?
You should also bring your medication list, relevant health records and updates about care received from other providers.
What Does an Annual Wellness Exam Cost?
For patients with insurance, annual wellness exams are generally covered as preventive care at no cost to the patient when eligibility, network and plan requirements are met. Medicare Annual Wellness Visits are also covered at no cost to eligible patients when the provider accepts Medicare assignment. These visits are a free and practical way to stay current on recommended checkups and preventive care, which insurance plans strongly encourage.
If you do not have insurance, PrimaryPlus offers a Sliding Fee Scale that may reduce the cost of care by up to 75% with application approval. Ask a PrimaryPlus team member for details or help applying.
Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit the Same as a Physical?
No. Medicare’s yearly Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive planning appointment, not a traditional physical exam. It generally includes a health-risk assessment and the development or update of a personalized prevention plan.
If you have a new symptom, need testing or want to discuss a specific medical condition, additional services or a separate appointment may be necessary. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit itself is covered at no cost to eligible patients when the provider accepts Medicare assignment. However, tests, treatments or problem-focused services outside the preventive benefit may have costs based on your coverage. Contact your insurance provider if you have questions about specific services.
Make Your Health a Priority With PrimaryPlus
You do not have to wait until you are sick to take care of your health. An annual wellness exam can help you better understand your health, stay current on preventive care and develop a plan based on your individual needs.
PrimaryPlus provides primary care, family medicine and internal medicine services for patients throughout Northeastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. With compassionate providers and convenient community locations, PrimaryPlus is here to help you take the next step toward better health.
Visit PrimaryPlus.net to find your nearest location or use online scheduling to request an appointment.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Recommended services vary based on age, medical history, risk factors and insurance coverage. Talk with your healthcare provider about the care that is appropriate for you.