one hour a year = 8,765 better ones
Think of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit as a check‑in — not a check‑up. This visit is available exclusively for Medicare patients and offers a meaningful opportunity to talk with your care team, review your current health, and make sure you’re moving in the right direction. Together, you’ll create or update a personalized care plan focused on prevention, healthy aging, and your unique risk factors. If any concerns come up, your team will help address them early so you can stay on track with your long‑term health goals. And remember — this isn’t a traditional physical exam. It’s a wellness‑focused conversation designed to support your overall well‑being and help you thrive.
What are Annual Wellness Visits?
An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) isn’t your typical check‑up. While a physical exam focuses on diagnosing problems and running routine tests, an AWV is all about prevention and planning. It’s a dedicated conversation with a member of your care team to review your overall health, your daily habits, and any risk factors you may have. Together, you’ll build a personalized wellness plan designed to help prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity — and to keep you feeling your best for the long term.
What is advanced care planning?
Your Annual Wellness Visit is also a valuable opportunity to plan ahead with Advance Care Planning. During this visit, a member of your care team can talk with you about creating an advance directive and provide guidance and support as you complete the paperwork. An advance directive is your written voice — a document that outlines how you want healthcare decisions to be made if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. It may include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, ensuring your wishes are known and honored.
What happens during a visit?
During your Annual Wellness Visit, a member of your care team will review your medical history, including any chronic conditions and the medications you’re currently taking. They will also assess your current health with a simple, non‑invasive check that may include measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
Along with reviewing your medical needs, your care team will talk with you about lifestyle choices that support healthy aging — such as nutrition, physical activity, and stress‑management techniques. They will also go over recommended screening tests and vaccinations based on your age, medical history, and risk factors.
Don’t skip your AWV — it’s an essential part of staying healthy and independent. By catching potential issues early and creating a plan tailored to your needs, you can take proactive steps to protect your long‑term well‑being.
Resources
Annual Wellness Visits are an essential part of preventive healthcare, helping catch potential issues early and supporting your long‑term well‑being. With the right preparation and information, you can get even more out of your visit. The resources below are designed to help you understand what to expect, feel confident walking into your appointment, and make the most of this important Medicare benefit. Explore the materials to learn more and stay proactive about your health.