Wellness Visits vs. Physical Exams: Key Differences and What’s Included
A wellness visit and a physical exam may sound similar, but they serve different purposes in healthcare. Patients often wonder: Is a wellness visit the same as a physical? Does insurance cover both? This guide explains the differences, what’s included, and how Medicare and insurance coverage apply.
Content Overview
- What Is a Wellness Visit?
- What’s Included in a Wellness Visit
- What’s Not Included in a Wellness Visit
- What Is a Physical Exam?
- What’s Included in a Physical Exam
- Wellness Visit vs. Physical Exam: Key Differences
- Does Insurance Cover Wellness Visits and Physical Exams?
- Wellness Screening vs. Wellness Check
- What Is a Wellness Checkup at the Doctor?
- FAQs About Wellness Visits and Physical Exams
- Why Both Are Important
What Is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit—also called a preventive visit or well visit—is designed to prevent health issues and promote long-term wellness. Instead of diagnosing active conditions, it focuses on assessing risk factors, reviewing medical history, and creating a personalized prevention plan.
What’s Included in a Wellness Visit
- Review of medical and family history
- Health risk assessments (e.g., cognitive, lifestyle, fall risk)
- Review of medications and supplements
- Measurement of height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure
- Personalized prevention plan with health goals
- Scheduling of preventive screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies, bone density tests)
What’s Not Included in a Wellness Visit
- Hands-on physical exam (listening to lungs, abdominal exam, reflexes)
- Routine bloodwork or lab tests (unless medically indicated)
- Treatment for current health problems
What Is a Physical Exam?
A physical exam—often called an annual check-up or yearly physical—is a hands-on evaluation to diagnose and manage current health problems. It’s more comprehensive than a wellness visit and usually involves lab work or diagnostic testing.
What’s Included in a Physical Exam
- Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
- Full system review (heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, neurological reflexes)
- Laboratory tests (blood work, cholesterol, glucose, thyroid, etc.)
- Preventive screenings, if indicated
- Diagnosis and management of current medical issues
Wellness Visit vs. Physical Exam: Key Differences
| Aspect | Wellness Visit | Physical Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevention, health risk assessment | Diagnosis and treatment of issues |
| Physical exam | Usually none or very limited | Comprehensive hands-on exam |
| Tests/Labs | Not routine (unless indicated) | Often includes bloodwork & imaging |
| Focus | Future health, lifestyle, prevention | Current health status & conditions |
| Typical components | History, risk assessments, counseling | Vital signs, organ checks, reflexes |
| Insurance coverage | Medicare Part B covers once every 12 months | May be covered, varies by insurance |
Does Insurance Cover Wellness Visits and Physical Exams?
Medicare: Covers a “Welcome to Medicare” visit (first 12 months) and an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) every 12 months under Part B. Medicare does not cover traditional annual physicals.
Commercial insurance: Many private plans cover both wellness visits and physical exams as preventive services, but coverage details vary.
Without insurance: A wellness visit may be low-cost at community clinics, while a physical exam can range from $100–$300 or more.
👉 Always confirm coverage with your insurance provider to avoid unexpected bills.
Wellness Screening vs. Wellness Check: Are They the Same?
Wellness Screening: Refers to specific preventive tests (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, cancer screenings).
Wellness Check/Visit: Broader appointment that reviews overall health, identifies risks, and creates a prevention plan.
What Is a Wellness Checkup at the Doctor?
- Reviews health risks through questionnaires and discussions
- Provides lifestyle and nutrition counseling
- Helps patients set long-term health goals
- Identifies risks for chronic diseases before they appear
FAQs About Wellness Visits and Physical Exams
Q1. Is a wellness visit the same as a physical exam?
No. A wellness visit focuses on prevention and future health, while a physical exam diagnoses and manages current conditions.
Q2. Does a wellness visit include blood work?
Not usually. Blood tests are only ordered if there’s a medical need.
Q3. Does Medicare cover physical exams?
Medicare covers wellness visits, not traditional physicals. Private insurance may cover both.
Q4. How often can you get a Medicare wellness visit?
Every 12 months under Medicare Part B.
Q5. Why are both visits important?
Wellness visits help prevent disease. Physical exams help detect and treat existing conditions. Together, they support long-term health.
Why Both Are Important
Wellness visits promote healthy habits, preventive care, and early risk detection.
Physical exams uncover current health problems and manage ongoing conditions.
✅ Both are complementary and play a vital role in maintaining lifelong health.
👉 Ask your doctor whether you should schedule a wellness visit, an annual physical, or both this year.
Take Charge of Your Health — Book Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) in Kingman, Arizona
At Northern Arizona Medical Group (NAMG), your health is our top priority. If you are a Medicare patient in Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, or nearby communities, our experienced care team is here to make your Annual Wellness Visit simple and stress-free. Don’t wait — schedule your AWV today and take the first step toward a healthier future.