Annual Wellness Visits vs. Annual Physicals: What’s the Difference?

“Annual wellness visit” (AWV) and “annual physical” are two healthcare terms that often cause confusion. They may seem the same, but each serves a different purpose in promoting overall health and wellness.

An annual physical is a comprehensive, hands-on examination that assesses your current health and helps identify any underlying health conditions. During an annual physical, your primary care provider checks your vital signs, examines your eyes, ears, abdomen, and skin, and listens to your heart and lungs.

An annual wellness visit, also performed by your primary care provider, is a yearly appointment focused on updating or developing your personalized preventive plan. Your prevention plan is curated using a health risk assessment (HRA) and your personal and family medical histories to identify risk factors that will help reduce the likelihood of any potential illness or condition. Unlike an annual physical, AWV’s do not include a physical exam and focus on cognitive assessment and health counseling.

Are Annual Wellness Visits Important?

AWVs create strategies tailored to your health goals and needs, which may include lifestyle modifications or starting annual screenings. Routine screenings can catch serious or life-threatening conditions early when they are most treatable and before they can cause permanent damage. If you already have a chronic condition, this appointment gives your provider a chance to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In addition, your primary care provider will review any medications you are taking to help identify and prevent potentially harmful drug interactions. They will also determine if you are due for any vaccinations.

AWVs are beneficial not only for preventative physical health, but mental health as well. During an AWV, you may be screened for depression, anxiety, or any other behavioral health conditions, and your provider may assess your cognitive function to help identify any neurological concerns early.

Does Insurance Cover AWVs and Annual Physicals?

AWVs are fully covered by Medicare for adults aged 65 and older, as well as certain individuals who qualify for Medicare due to disability. To be eligible, beneficiaries must be enrolled in Medicare Part B for over 12 months.

Coverage for annual physicals can vary depending on whether your insurance is commercial or employer-sponsored, Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant, an original Medicare plan, and if your doctor is “in-network” with your plan. If you plan to discuss a new symptom or receive any treatment during your visit, you may be billed a copay, deductible, or coinsurance charge for that service not covered in your usual annual visit.

Schedule a Visit with a Primary Care Provider Today

Taking a proactive approach to preventive care can help you better understand your health and make informed decisions about your future well-being. If you are due for your annual wellness visit or physical exam, contact your primary care provider today to schedule an appointment.

 

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