As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. This principle lies at the core idea behind annual wellness visits, a routine, comprehensive health evaluation. Also known as a yearly physical, an annual wellness visit is a scheduled meeting between you and your primary care physician to monitor your overall health and spot potential health risks before they become serious problems.
This concept might appear straightforward, but many people are confused about what an annual wellness visit encompasses and why it is needed. This post aims to demystify these yearly health evaluations.
What Happens During an Annual Wellness Visit?
An annual wellness visit typically involves the following:
Medical History Review: Your physician will ask about your medical history, which includes any health conditions you’ve had, hospitalizations, or surgeries. They’ll also ask about your family’s health history to understand potential genetic risks.
Lifestyle Discussion: This includes discussing your diet, physical activity, alcohol, tobacco use, and sleep patterns. These lifestyle factors significantly affect your health; your doctor can advise on any necessary changes and possibly recommend a health coach.
Preventive Screenings: Depending on your age, sex, and health history, your doctor may recommend certain screenings or tests. These might include blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer screenings, or diabetes tests.
Immunization Review: Your doctor will review and recommend certain vaccinations, if necessary, to protect against diseases like the flu, pneumonia, or shingles.
Mental Health Check: Your physician might also assess your mental health. They’ll ask about stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
Physical Examination: A typical physical exam will include measuring height and weight, listening to your heart and lungs, checking your eyes, ears, and throat, and feeling for abnormalities in your abdomen.
Health Risk Assessment: Your doctor will assess your risk of developing common medical conditions and diseases based on the information gathered. They’ll also provide advice on managing these risks.
Why Are Annual Wellness Visits Important?
They play a crucial role in health preservation and disease prevention.
Early Detection: Regular check-ups help detect potential health issues before they become serious. For example, conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol often have no noticeable symptoms but can be treated through monitoring and lab work.
Preventive Care: Regular wellness visits allow your physician to guide you on healthy habits and timely preventive measures and serve as a baseline for your risk factors’ year-to-year changes.
Health Promotion: During these visits, your doctor can provide you with the tools and knowledge to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Are wellness visits covered under Medicare or health insurance?
The short answer is usually, but we recommend you check with us or Medicare first. Here is a synopsis of what’s covered today.
If you’re a Medicare Part B beneficiary, you’re eligible for an annual wellness visit at no cost. Medicare fully covers this visit once every 12 months. It’s essential to note that while the wellness visit itself is covered, additional tests or services not covered under the preventive benefits might have a cost.
If you have group or individual health coverage, under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover a set of preventive services at no cost to you. This includes one wellness check-up per year. However, insurance coverage can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with us about what is covered during these visits.
Remember that while the wellness visit might be covered, any additional tests or procedures your doctor recommends might not. Always check with us or your carrier about what is and is not covered.
“It is best to be proactive with wellness and preventative visits. Often, there is no cost to the patient for these visits. This is important to help people stay healthy and catch possible health issues early on,” states Jeff Novak, President of Advanced Insurance Designs Inc.
Need Help Understanding Your Health Insurance Plan?
Figuring out what’s covered can often feel overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate these waters alone. Our dedicated account representatives at AIDI are here to help guide you through your options and ensure you’re getting the most out of your coverage.
Here’s how you can reach out to us:
Call Us: Speak directly to our knowledgeable account representatives, who are always ready to assist you. Call us at 330-753-8700.
Email Us: If you have specific queries or need to discuss your insurance coverage options, please email us at info@aidiconnect.com.We aim to respond to all questions within one business day.
Please Book an Appointment: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with our account representatives at your convenience. Call our office between 9 am and 4 pm. Choose a date and time that suits you, and we’ll be ready to help.
The world of health insurance can be complex, but our team at Advanced Insurance Designs is here to simplify it for you. So, whether you have questions about annual wellness visits or other aspects of your coverage, we’re here to help. Get in touch today, and let’s ensure you’re fully equipped to take control of your health.
