I've heard Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. What exactly is included in this visit?

Question

Steve Houchens · Accepted Answer

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit focuses on preventative care and health planning, including a health risk assessment, review of medical history, and creation of a personalized prevention plan, but it's not a full physical

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

The difference between the Welcome to Medicare visit and the Annual Wellness visit described. While both visits are important and serve a similar purpose, it is important to remember the differences between the Welcome to Medicare visit and the Annual Wellness visit.
What is the Welcome to Medicare visit? 
The Welcome to Medicare visit is a one-time preventive visit that occurs within the first 12 months of the Insured’s first enrollment in Medicare Part B. This is considered a once per lifetime benefit, meaning a member is only eligible when they sign up for Medicare for the first time. This visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly a Medicare Advantage plan, the Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if it is covered, when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit typically consists of a review of the patient’s medical and social history, an examination of the body like height, weight, BMI, blood pressure and other routine measurements, education and counseling about preventive services and more.

What is the Annual Wellness visit? 
The Annual Wellness visit is a yearly preventive visit which is covered once per calendar year. The Annual Wellness visit is covered by Original Medicare as well as possibly some Medicare Advantage plans when performed by the Insured’s primary care provider. This visit allows the physician and patient to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. The Insured would need to check with their Insurance Company to see if covered.
This typically consists of a review of the patient’s Health Risk Assessment, an update of the patient’s medical and family history, and more. If the Insured has had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, they do not need to have their Welcome to Medicare visit before getting the Annual Wellness Visit. 

One of the biggest differentiators between the two visits is their timing. 
Source: United Healthcare.

Michael Ryan · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover annual wellness visits, which are considered preventive services. These visits are designed to help you develop a personalized plan to prevent disease and improve your health. During the annual wellness visit, healthcare providers may assess your health status, review your medical history, and offer preventive services. However, it's important to note that while the annual wellness visit is covered, additional tests or services performed during that visit may not be fully covered. It's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider and Medicare for specific details regarding coverage.

Answered by Michael Ryan on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Michael Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Maisel · Answer

Annual wellness check up is often confused with a Physical.

It is not a Physical. 

The annual wellness checkup is to review the patient's physical & mental wellness.

Taking this time each year maintains a plan for maintain health. 

If the patient is encountering any health issues, they can be caught early.

David Wiley · Answer

Original Medicare only covers a complete physical every 3 years (due to Affordable Care Act), whereas Medicare Advantage plans provide them every year.  
What’s included is annual female exams as well as internal medicine checkups, which can include an EKG.  Men get their internal medical exams, including PSA screening and EKG’s.  Periodic Colonoscopies are also covered as are bone density exams for women.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Not much! + It’s not a physical exam. It’s a series of questions that you answer about your current state of health. You may not even see your doctor. Though you do have a right to have a true physical exam at your discretion. If so, be sure to tell the receptionist that you’re scheduling a real physical since more time is needed for that visit.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

Yes. Medicare provides an annual Wellness visit, but reports vary from my clients about the quality and value of that visit, depending on the practice they see. It is NOT an annual physical. It may include vital statistics like height, weight and blood pressure, but my clients consistently comment that the nature of the visit is a questionnaire on safety in their home, with discussion about guns, throw rugs and hand railings on stairs. Most tell me that it is a nurse visit and they do not see a doctor.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Aaron Solomon · Answer

The Wellness visit covers all Medicare preventive services plus a huge amnount of screening for things like cancer,diabetes, prostate, heart and routine physical exam.

Fred Manas · Answer

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) focuses on creating a personalized prevention plan and assessing your health and risk factors. It's a yearly appointment with your primary care provider, but it's not the same as a full annual physical. The AWV includes a Health Risk Assessment, vital signs, and a discussion about your health history, family history, and current medications. It also includes advice on preventing diseases and improving your health, and can include screenings for conditions like depression and cognitive issues. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what's included: Key Components of the AWV:
Health Risk Assessment: You'll complete a questionnaire to assess your health status and risk factors. Vital Signs: Your doctor will measure your height, weight, and blood pressure. 
Health History: You'll discuss your medical and family history, as well as any current health problems.  Medication Review: You'll review your current medications. 
Personalized Health Advice: Your doctor will provide advice to help you prevent diseases and stay healthy.  Screening for Depression and Cognitive Issues: You may be screened for depression and cognitive issues like dementia or Alzheimer's.  Advance Care Planning: You can discuss your preferences for future medical care.  Preventive Services Checklist: Your doctor will review a checklist of recommended preventive services for you.  Social Determinants of Health Assessment (Optional): This can help your doctor understand how your social situation might be affecting your health. 
What's NOT Included in the AWV: Lab Tests or Other Procedures: The AWV doesn't typically include lab tests or other procedures requiring physical contact, although your doctor may refer you for those if needed. Annual Physical: While the AWV can be helpful, it's not the same as a full annual physical exam. 
Key Takeaways:  The AWV is a valuable opportunity to discuss your health with your doctor and develop a personalized plan to stay healthy.

Gary Henderson · Answer

This is a usual physical type doctor visit where you get general checkup and he may request a blood and urine test also

Carol Thompson · Answer

The annual wellness visit is a review of your personalized prevention plan of services which entails a health risk assessment. It also includes discussion and scheduling of screenings and immunizations. These are preventative care services provided at $0 Cost as long as you have Medicare part B.

Answered by Carol Thompson on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

If you have had Part B for at least a year, Medicare will cover an annual wellness visit. The purpose of this visit to to create a personalized plan for to prevent disease or disability based on your current health and risk factors.

Answered by Donnie Vermillion on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Donnie Vermillion Medicare Insurance Agent

Tanja Roulhac · Answer

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a preventive service covered by Medicare Part B once per year. It's designed to help you create or update a personalized plan to prevent illness and stay healthy. There's no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for this visit.

Here's what's typically included, based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines:

Health Review: Discussion of your medical and family history, including any new health issues.

Vital Measurements: Checking height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure.

Risk Assessments: Screening for risks like depression, falls, and cognitive impairment (e.g., memory issues).

Functional Review: Evaluation of your ability to perform daily activities and ensure home safety.

Medication Review: A list of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to check for interactions or needs.

Personalized Prevention Plan: Creation or update of a written plan that includes:
Recommended screenings (e.g., for cancer, diabetes).

Vaccinations.

Counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise).


Provider and Social Review: Updating your list of healthcare providers and discussing community resources if needed.

Eligibility and Tips: You're eligible if you've had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months. Schedule it with your primary care provider or doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have questions about your specific coverage or need help finding a provider, let me know!

Robert Barco · Answer

The annual wellness visit consist of a Health Risk Assessment where your vitals are taken and reviewed. Also the doctor will review your medical history, medications, needed screenings and immunizations. Lastly the doctor will discuss fall prevention, end of life planning, legal issues, any education and referrals for any specialists.

Answered by Robert Barco on April 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Robert Barco Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan Ross · Answer

One Medicare rule many people feel is outdated and unfair is the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) coverage.

Right now, Medicare won’t cover rehab in a skilled nursing facility unless you've been admitted as an inpatient in a hospital for at least three full days—and time spent under "observation status" doesn’t count, even if you’re in a hospital bed getting the same care.

This rule can confuse seniors, leave them with unexpected bills, and doesn’t reflect how modern healthcare is delivered. Many believe it’s time for this requirement to be updated to protect beneficiaries better. 

Let me know if you would like to go over your current plan.

Joseph Lombardo · Answer

Thank you for the question. Annual wellness includes measurements check such as height and weight, a blood pressure reading and a questionnaire of your health history and family health history. All of this combined can be used to generate a wellness report or a plan of action for your own individual health situation. I hope this helps.

Answered by Joseph Lombardo on April 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, NJ & PA

Answered by Joseph Lombardo Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Keenan · Answer

I compare it to what parents have to do with a newborn, take the baby to the Doctor for a "well baby visit."
As a "senior", an annual visit allows the Coctor to track key indicators year after year to see if there have been any significant changes that would warrant more attention.

Barbara Bolden · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans will include an annual wellness visit. This includes reviewing your medical history, risk factors, measurements such as height and weight, blook pressure and future screenings. The focus is on preventative measures and future planning!

Answered by Barbara Bolden on June 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, NY & SC

Answered by Barbara Bolden Medicare Insurance Agent

I've heard Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. What exactly is included in this visit?

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I've heard Medicare covers an annual wellness visit. What exactly is included in this visit?

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