Annual Wellness Visit: A Complete Guide for Arizona Residents
What is an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)?
An Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly preventive health appointment covered by Medicare Part B after the first 12 months of enrollment. It is designed to assess your health risks, review medical history, and develop or update a personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease or disability. It focuses on health promotion, risk assessment, and preventive care rather than on diagnosis or treatment of illness.
Is an Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical exam?
No, the AWV is not a physical exam. A physical exam is a hands-on, comprehensive assessment of your body and may include lab tests, while the AWV primarily involves conversation, questionnaires (Health Risk Assessment), review of medical and family history, and personalized health advice without a physical exam component.
Who is eligible for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Medicare beneficiaries who have had Part B coverage for more than 12 months are eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit. The first AWV cannot occur within 12 months of Part B enrollment or the initial "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit.
Medicare Coverage for Annual Wellness Visits
Does Medicare cover Annual Wellness Visits?
Yes, Medicare covers the full cost of an Annual Wellness Visit, with no copay or deductible if the provider accepts assignment. Additional tests or services beyond the AWV may incur costs.
How often can you have an Annual Wellness Visit?
You can have one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. Medicare limits AWVs to one per year per beneficiary.
Do I need supplemental insurance for an Annual Wellness Visit?
You do not need supplemental insurance for an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) if you have Medicare Part B. The AWV is fully covered by Medicare with no cost to you as long as your healthcare provider accepts Medicare assignment. There is no deductible or coinsurance for the AWV itself.
However, if additional tests, services, or treatments beyond the AWV are performed during the same visit (such as blood work, vaccinations, or a physical exam), those may not be covered under the AWV benefit and could incur out-of-pocket costs unless you have supplemental insurance to cover them.
Is the Annual Wellness Visit free for Medicare patients?
Yes, it is free under Medicare Part B coverage when provided by an eligible provider who accepts Medicare assignment.
Do you need supplemental insurance for an Annual Wellness Visit?
No supplemental insurance is needed for the AWV itself if you have Medicare Part B. However, additional services outside the AWV may require supplemental insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
What is included in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
- Risk Assessment questionnaire
- Review of medical and family history
- Review of current medications and providers
- Measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, and BMI
- Cognitive impairment screening
- Screening for risks like alcohol, tobacco, opioid abuse
- Functional ability and safety assessment
- dvance care planning
- Personalized prevention plan and screening schedule.
What questions will the doctor ask during the Annual Wellness Visit?
Expect questions about your overall health status, family medical history, lifestyle habits, medications, mental health, cognitive function, social determinants of health, and any changes in your health since your last visit.
Is blood work included in the Annual Wellness Visit?
No, blood work and lab tests are not included in the AWV. If your provider orders lab tests, those will be billed separately.
What’s the difference between the Initial and Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit?
The initial AWV includes a more detailed assessment, including creating a personalized prevention plan. Subsequent AWVs focus on updating the previous plan and reassessing risks. Initial AWV cannot be done within the first 12 months of Medicare Part B enrollment.
Why is the Annual Wellness Visit important?
The AWV is important because it helps detect health risks, prevents illness, promotes healthy lifestyle changes, and allows for early intervention before chronic conditions worsen. It also strengthens patient-provider relationships and improves overall health management.
How does an Annual Wellness Visit improve my health?
By identifying risk factors early, providing personalized preventive advice, and creating a structured health plan, the AWV helps patients make informed lifestyle and healthcare decisions that improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Can the Annual Wellness Visit help in detecting chronic conditions early?
Yes, through risk assessment and screenings, the AWV can identify potential chronic conditions early, prompting timely referral for diagnostic tests and interventions that improve prognosis.
How do I schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Contact your primary care provider or any eligible healthcare professional who accepts Medicare. When making the appointment, specify that you want an Annual Wellness Visit to ensure proper billing and coverage.
Can I see any doctor for my Annual Wellness Visit?
You can see any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare and is eligible to perform the AWV, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other qualified medical professionals.
What happens after the Annual Wellness Visit?
Your provider will update your personalized prevention plan and may recommend screenings, vaccinations, or follow-up appointments. If areas of concern arise, you may have additional visits for diagnosis or treatment.
Take Charge of Your Health — Book Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) in Kingman, Arizona with Northern Arizona Medical Group (NAMG)
At Northern Arizona Medical Group (NAMG), your health and wellness are our top priority. If you are a Medicare patient in Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, or nearby communities, our care team is here to guide you through your Annual Wellness Visit and beyond. Don’t wait — take the first step toward better health today.