Understanding Annual Wellness Visits and Other Healthcare Appointments
Navigating the health care landscape can be confusing, as there are multiple forms of care — from wellness visits to screenings to traditional checkups. Knowing the difference between these different types of appointments and how your insurance covers them is key to understanding how to maximize your healthcare coverage.
What is an Annual Wellness Visit?
An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is an annual medical appointment planned to meet the patient’s particular health needs. It’s usually covered by Medicare Part B and most health plans, and can include a detailed health risk assessment and physical. During the assessment, the patient and physician will discuss any changes to medical and family history, lifestyle and behaviors, and potential risks and preventive services that can help the patient stay healthy.
The AWV is a great opportunity for patients to be proactive about their health and become informed on any preventive services covered by their insurance, such as screenings for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more.
What is the Difference Between an Annual Wellness Visit and Other Healthcare Appointments?
It’s important to understand that an AWV is distinct from traditional checkups and screenings. For example, while an AWV will assess overall health risks and preventive services, it typically does not include a review of chronic disease management, vaccinations or physical therapy consultations. Additionally, an AWV is inherently preventative, meaning that the patient doesn’t usually need symptoms to be eligible for the visit.
On the other hand, screenings and traditional checkups are typically used to identify issues that the patient is already showing signs of, or to follow up on potential risks discussed during an AWV. For instance, if a patient indicates on their annual wellness visit that they are at risk of cancer, their physician may order a colonoscopy to evaluate the potential risk further.
Maximizing Your Health Coverage
Knowing the difference between an Annual Wellness Visit and other healthcare appointments can help you maximize your health coverage. Be sure to avail yourself of AWVs so you can proactively participate in preventative care and identify any potential health risks before they become serious.
At the same time, don’t forget to use traditional checkups notes and screenings to monitor and manage any chronic conditions you may have. By keeping track of these different appointments, you can ensure that your health insurance is being used in the most effective way — and enjoy better health in the long run.
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