It's commonly understood that an annual checkup with a doctor is crucial. During one's working life, this usually involves a comprehensive physical exam. However, upon qualifying for Medicare, the term 'annual wellness visit' often comes into play.

This visit differs from a full physical as it concentrates on preventive care, health screenings, and wellness planning. It's a chance to discuss your health and objectives with your doctor and to develop a strategy to achieve those goals and enhance your overall health.

Original Medicare does not cover a physical, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer it alongside the Annual Wellness Visit. All Medicare eligible individuals, regardless of Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, are entitled to an annual wellness visit without extra cost. Moreover, if your Medicare Advantage plan covers a comprehensive physical exam, it's possible to have both done in one appointment.

As your primary care provider, either in person or virtually, we will examine your medical history, which includes significant illnesses, surgeries, as well as any ongoing health conditions and medications you are currently taking.

You will need to fill out a mandatory questionnaire beforehand to assist us in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your health background. This may also help you remember any questions you wish to discuss during the appointment.

Maintaining your health is a collaborative effort, and as your primary care provider, we are the cornerstone of managing your health. We also collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

If you consult multiple specialists to manage chronic conditions or if you haven't visited some of your doctors in the past year, remembering their names can be challenging. Therefore, it's advisable to compile a list of your doctors to bring to your wellness visit.

If you have already appointed a healthcare surrogate or proxy to make decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so, please bring a copy of the relevant completed forms to your appointment. If you have not yet made these arrangements, your wellness visit is an opportune time to discuss and obtain the necessary forms for your personal advance care planning.

It's important to have a comprehensive list of all medications prescribed by any physician, but we might not be aware of any vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements you're taking. We check for potential interactions, including supplements that could diminish the effectiveness of prescription medications. 

Before your appointment, please prepare a list detailing how frequently you take each medication and the dosage to ensure nothing is missed or overlooked.

At your appointment, we will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure. Following that, we will conduct a series of screening questions to assess your recent well-being, any challenges you may be facing, and other health and safety concerns. Some questions will evaluate your cognitive functions and check for signs of depression. It's important that you answer these questions truthfully and arrive well-rested to ensure the most accurate assessment.

Upon completing all assessments, we will review your current health status and collaborate with you to create a plan that aligns with your health objectives. This plan will tackle your existing conditions and strategies to prevent potential health issues. Should you have any risk factors, we will offer various options to manage them.

Additionally, you can arrange a timetable for preventive care or screening examinations and explore treatment alternatives for any conditions recently identified.

To maximize the benefits of this planning, consider preparing a list of questions you wish to inquire about during your appointment. Feel free to ask these questions; our annual wellness visit includes an extended session to address your concerns and provide comprehensive answers.

Being candid about your health aspirations is equally crucial. Not everyone aims to exercise daily or shed 10 pounds within a year, and that's perfectly acceptable. Perhaps your ambition is to cycle with your grandchildren in the neighborhood or to moderate your alcohol intake. Whatever your health goals may be, we can assist you in achieving them only if we are aware of them. Therefore, we encourage you to be as forthcoming and truthful as possible during your consultation.