Annual Wellness Visit

Wellness Visits vs. Physical Exams: Key Differences and What’s Included 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. Posts You May Like

Annual Wellness Visit: Everything You Need to Know What is not covered in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit? What is not covered in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?(AWV)? Medicare AWV does not include blood work, lab tests, X-rays, or a physical examination. Additional services beyond the scope of AWV may incur charges. Does the Medicare wellness exam include blood work? No, blood work is not included in the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit but can be ordered separately and billed separately. Does Medicare pay for doctor visits? Yes, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for medically necessary doctor visits. Preventive services are typically covered 100% without a deductible. Does Medicare have a copay for doctor visits? For medically necessary doctor visits, beneficiaries generally pay a 20% coinsurance after meeting the Part B deductible. Preventive visits like the AWV have no copay. How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors? There is no fixed limit for medically necessary doctor visits; coverage depends on medical necessity. Preventive visits like the AWV are covered annually. How often does Medicare pay for gynecological exams? Medicare covers Pap smears and pelvic exams every 24 months (or annually for high-risk women). It also covers breast exams and screenings for STIs. Is the Medicare cognitive test mandatory for the Annual Wellness Visit? The cognitive assessment is a required component of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit but beneficiaries can discuss opting out or further testing. More detailed cognitive assessments are covered if medically necessary. Can I refuse a Medicare wellness visit? Yes, you can choose not to have an Annual Wellness Visit or other preventive visits. It is voluntary. Does Medicare cover annual physicals? No, Medicare does not cover traditional annual physical exams. However, it covers the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during the first 12 months of Medicare Part B and the Annual Wellness Visit thereafter. Does Medicare pay for yearly physicals? 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. Does Medicare require annual physicals? No, Medicare does not require annual physicals. Summary AWV covered 100% by Medicare Part B, no cost to patient. AWV and Welcome to Medicare visit are preventive; physicals are not covered. One AWV per 12 months allowed. Blood work and physical exam not included in AWV. Doctor visits covered if medically necessary with coinsurance. Cognitive tests part of AWV but can be declined. Gynecological screenings covered every 24 months or annually for high risk. Wellness visits are optional, not mandatory. 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. Posts You May Like

Annual Wellness Visit: Everything You Need to Know 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. Posts You May Like