Maximize your health with Medicare annual wellness visit

If you have Medicare Part B, you qualify for a free yearly wellness visit. This appointment is not the same as your regular check-up. In fact, it’s an opportunity to discuss your health goals in-depth and create a plan to maintain your highest quality of life over the long term.

What is a Medicare annual wellness visit?

A Medicare annual wellness visit, sometimes called a yearly wellness visit, is a review of your overall health. You discuss your health history and risks with your provider and develop a  plan to improve your well-being. You may see a physician, an advanced practice provider (APP), clinical nurse specialist or other healthcare professional for your annual wellness visit.

Medicare wellness visit vs. annual physical exam

A Medicare wellness visit is not a full physical exam. Your provider may record routine health metrics, such as your weight, height and blood pressure during this appointment. But most of your visit focuses on discussing your health risks and goals, administering preventive screenings and giving age-appropriate vaccinations as needed.

At an annual physical exam, your provider may order blood tests as needed.

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover both an annual physical exam and an annual wellness visit. If you have one of these plans, you will book these appointments separately. 

Who qualifies for an annual wellness visit?

To qualify for an annual wellness visit, you must have had Medicare Part B for 12 months or longer. You can schedule this visit annually at no cost.

Before scheduling your visit, you must ensure that it’s been at least 12 months since:

• Signing up for Medicare Part B
• Completing your last annual wellness visit
• Completing your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

Your “Welcome to Medicare” visit is a free, optional appointment within your first 12 months of Medicare enrollment. It’s similar to an annual wellness visit.

What to expect during a Medicare wellness visit

During your annual wellness visit, you and your provider review your overall health. You discuss all the factors that affect your physical, mental and emotional well-being.  

How to prepare for your annual wellness visit

Your provider’s office may send you forms when you schedule your visit. Complete these forms before your appointment to maximize your time with your provider.

You should also gather some information to give to your provider:

• A full medication list with dosage information, including any supplements
• A list of the other health specialists you see regularly, such as a gynecologist or cardiologist
• Information on any durable medical equipment you use, such as a walker or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
• Records of health screenings and vaccinations
• Updated family and medical history

It’s also a good idea to think about your health goals and needs. You may bring a list of questions you want to ask, such as:

• Do you have support group recommendations to quit smoking?
• How can I connect with a therapist?
• How do I set up a health care directive?
• What diet changes should I make to improve my blood pressure?
• What health screenings do I need to complete this year?

What happens during an annual wellness visit?  

The first part of your annual wellness visit is a health risk assessment (HRA). Some providers send you this HRA ahead of time, or you may complete it during your visit. Your HRA is a questionnaire that asks about your:

• Age and gender
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Diet and exercise habits
• Emotional and mental health
• Overall mobility and independence
• Physical health, including chronic conditions
• Preventive screenings and immunizations

Your provider reviews your HRA and all the information you’ve brought to your appointment with you. They may also:

• Ask you about your medical history, daily routines and safety at home
• Assess you for signs of cognitive problems, such as dementia, and discuss any memory concerns
• Evaluate your vision (only for the Welcome to Medicare Exam)
• Record routine measurements, such as your height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure
• Talk about future healthcare planning, including healthcare directives

Creating your personalized prevention plan

Next, you and your provider work together to develop a personalized prevention plan. This plan outlines the lifestyle changes, screenings or other preventive services you’ll need in the next five to 10 years. It may include:

• Habit changes, such as eating healthier or exercising, to better manage chronic conditions
• Immunization recommendations
• Preventive screening schedules, such as target dates for your next colonoscopy or mammogram
• Resources to quit smoking, lose weight or prevent falls, if applicable

You review and update this plan at each annual wellness visit.

Benefits of Medicare annual wellness visit

As we age, our risk of health problems increases. Preventive care through an annual wellness visit can lower your risk of developing health problems.

It also increases the chances of diagnosing health conditions, such as cancer and chronic diseases, in early stages. Often, these conditions are easier to treat when you identify them early.

Regular wellness visits can also help with: 

• Building a stronger relationship with your healthcare provider
• Improving your quality of life by maintaining your independence and mobility
• Reducing long-term healthcare costs by taking advantage of free benefits and lowering your risk of chronic disease

Schedule your annual wellness visit

Inova Primary Care offices offer in-person visits. Schedule your Medicare annual wellness visit through:

• Your MyChart patient portal
• Online booking
• Calling your doctor’s office