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

Mark Bilgere · Answer

It is important to know what your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is not. It is not an annual Physical. This isn't to say it can't be an important part of your healthcare, but it does have some limitations. Here is what it does include:
* A Health Risk Assessment: Your provider will ask you about your current medications, your medical history, your lifestyle, your home life as far as safety and family and your other current providers.
* Vitals: They will check your blood pressure and your height and weight. (No blood work is done)
* Cognitive Screening: A short memory and thinking test
* A mood and depression screening
* A fall risk and safety review
* A Preventative Screening review: They will check to see if you are up to date on colon screening, mammograms, vision and hearing checks
* A vaccination review
* A personalized prevention plan: These will be the recommendations for the screenings you are missing, any lifestyle changes they recommend, any referrals you should have and health goals for the future.
This is not a physical, no blood work is done and no diagnosis or treatment of new problems is done. If you ask about any new situations, you could be billed separately.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

What is included in the visit:

Health Risk Assessment: You will likely fill out a questionnaire to help your provider understand your current health and risk factors.
Medical and Family History: A review of your past medical issues, surgical history, and any family history of disease is conducted.
Medication and Provider List: Your current prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, and a list of your current healthcare providers are reviewed and updated.
Routine Measurements: Your height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure are checked.
Functional and Safety Evaluation: Your ability to perform daily tasks and your risk of falls may be assessed.
Cognitive Screening: Your memory and cognitive abilities may be screened for issues like dementia.
Personalized Prevention Plan: Based on the information gathered, your provider will help create a written 5-10 year screening schedule and may provide personalized health advice.
Advance Care Planning: You can discuss advance directives, like a living will or medical power of attorney, with your provider.
Referrals: You may receive referrals for other health education or preventive counseling services if needed. 

What is not included:
A head-to-toe physical exam: The AWV is a preventive visit, not a comprehensive physical exam. Any specific medical issues you raise will be handled as a separate "sick" visit, for which you may be billed your regular copayment or deductible.

John Becker · Answer

You can get a yearly “Wellness” visit to develop or update your personalized plan to help prevent disease or disability, based on your current health and risk factors. The yearly “Wellness” visit isn’t a physical exam.

Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering the questions can help you and your doctor develop or update a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. Your visit may include:

Routine measurements (like height, weight, and blood pressure)
Health advice
A review of your medical and family history
A review of your current prescriptions
Personalized health advice
Advance care planning
A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services
An optional “Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment” to help your provider understand your social needs and their impact on your treatment

Steven Graves · Answer

You're absolutely right—Medicare does cover an Annual Wellness Visit, and it's an important benefit designed to help you stay on top of your health. However, it’s important to know that this visit is not a full physical exam, but rather a preventive service focused on long-term wellness and disease prevention.

Here's what's typically included in the Annual Wellness Visit:
Health Risk Assessment: You'll fill out a questionnaire about your health history, current health status, and lifestyle.

Review of Medical and Family History: Your provider will go over your personal and family health background.

Medication and Provider Review: A review of all your current medications and the doctors or specialists you see.

Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, and BMI Measurement: Basic checks to monitor your physical health.

Cognitive Function Assessment: A brief screening to check memory and mental sharpness.

Screening Schedule: A personalized checklist of recommended preventive screenings, vaccines, and other services based on your age, gender, and health status.

Advance Care Planning (if you choose): You can discuss your preferences for future care, including setting up advance directives.

What’s not included:
It may or may not be a hands-on physical exam. Consult with your physician.

Lab test may or may not be included, consult with your physician and contact your insurance provider.



Cost:
If your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, the Annual Wellness Visit is free—no deductible or copay. However, if additional tests or services are performed during the visit that aren't covered under preventive care, you may have to pay part of the cost.

All services are subject to the terms and limitations of your insurance policy/policies. 

Steven Graves

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

During this appointment, your healthcare provider will typically perform the following: Health Risk Assessment (HRA): You will complete a questionnaire about your health status, injury risks, behavioral risks, and urgent health needs. Medical & Family History: A review of your past medical and surgical history, as well as the health history of your parents, siblings, and children. Provider & Medication List: An update of all your current medical providers, suppliers (like oxygen or wheelchairs), and a list of all prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements you take. Routine Measurements: Checking your height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Cognitive Assessment: A brief check to look for signs of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Screening Schedule: The creation of a 5–10 year "checklist" for appropriate preventive screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies) and vaccinations. Safety & Functional Ability: Screening for hearing impairments, risk of falling, and your ability to perform activities of daily living (like bathing or dressing). Mental Health Screening: A review of your risk for depression and other mood disorders. 1

Answered by Jacqueline Proffit on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AR, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Jacqueline Proffit 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

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.

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.

Ezel McIntee · Answer

The Annual Wellness Visit with Medicare is a yearly appointment focused on prevention and planning rather than treating illness. During the visit, your provider will review your medical and family history, current medications, lifestyle factors, and risk for diseases, check vital signs, update a personalized prevention plan, and discuss recommended screenings and vaccines to keep you healthy.

Answered by Ezel McIntee on October 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Ezel McIntee Medicare Insurance Agent

Joel Hill · Answer

Great question! 

It’s not a physical exam, but it’s really important. During the visit, your provider will:
• Review your medical and family history
• Check your height, weight, and blood pressure
• Update your list of medications and doctors
• Screen for depression, memory, and fall risks
• Go over any preventive services you may need
• Help you make a personalized plan to stay healthy

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

Jonathan Paddon · Answer

Under original Medicare, an annual wellness visit includes a review of current health status and medications and a health questionnaire to assess pressing health needs or risks. Although not a full physical, the visit will allow your doctor to create a written plan outlining recommended preventative services such as screenings and immunizations.

Answered by Jonathan Paddon on August 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, AL, FL, GA, IL & MS

Answered by Jonathan Paddon Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Yes — Medicare does cover an annual wellness visit, but it’s not a head-to-toe physical exam like people often expect. Instead, it’s a yearly check-in focused on prevention and planning — reviewing your medical history, medications, risk factors, and creating a personalized health plan. Your provider may check vitals, screen for depression, discuss vaccines, and update your care plan. It’s designed to keep you healthy and catch issues early, not just treat problems once they appear.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on October 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz 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

Juliette Chihade · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover an Annual wellness visit. This intales the following:
Health risk assessment by answering medical questionnaire.
Your Vitals are taken: Blood pressure, weight and BMI
Checking for signs of dementia
Depression screening 
Review of your current conditions and medications. SO bring a list of your prescription if you are taking.

After the wellness visit you will have annual physical that medicare pays for as well.

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.

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

Steven LaPorte · Answer

A wellness visit is not a physical exam. It is a review of your medical and family history, health risk assessment, your vitals which include blood pressure height, and weight and cognitive impairment screening. And is a written health plan going forward. It is also a review of your doctors and medication’s in a preventative plan going forward.

Answered by Steven LaPorte on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in LA, MS & TX

Answered by Steven LaPorte Medicare Insurance Agent

Lloyd Griffin · Answer

Medicare's wellness visit is a yearly appointment that focuses on assessing health risk and preventive care. Which is why its called Wellness Visit and not a Physical Exam. It purpose is to catch signs of disease early and provide options to better health.

Answered by Lloyd Griffin on April 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in MA, CT, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Lloyd Griffin Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

A Medicare annual wellness visit includes a personalized prevention plan, a health risk assessment, a review of your medical and family history, and routine measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure. The visit is not a physical exam but focuses on health promotion, including a screening for cognitive impairment, functional ability, and safety, along with giving advice on areas like nutrition and fall prevention.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on October 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Ken Banks · Answer

A Medicare annual wellness visit includes a personalized prevention plan, a health risk assessment, a review of your medical and family history, and routine measurements like height, weight, and blood pressure. The visit is not a physical exam but focuses on health promotion, including a screening for cognitive impairment, functional ability, and safety, along with giving advice on areas like nutrition and fall prevention.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on October 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Charlie Fitzgerald · Answer

Overview of Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is designed to promote preventive health care for beneficiaries. It focuses on assessing health risks and creating personalized prevention plans.
Key Components of the AWV
Health Risk Assessment
Patients complete a questionnaire about their medical history and lifestyle.
This helps identify potential risk factors for chronic diseases.
Medical and Family History Review
Clinicians review the patient's medical and family history.
This identifies hereditary risks and chronic conditions that may need monitoring.
Preventive Services Checklist
Review of recommended screenings and vaccinations.
Includes services like mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings.
Personalized Prevention Plan
Development of a tailored health plan based on collected data.
May include lifestyle recommendations and referrals to specialists.
Cognitive and Behavioral Screening
Assessment for early signs of cognitive impairment and mental health concerns.
Enables early intervention if needed.
Advance Care Planning (Optional)
Discussion of preferences for future medical care, including advance directives.
Coverage and Costs
Medicare covers 100% of the cost for the AWV.
Beneficiaries must have Medicare Part B for at least 12 months.
Only one AWV is allowed per year, and it is not a comprehensive physical exam.
The AWV is a proactive approach to health care, aiming to catch potential issues early and improve overall health outcomes.

Robin Duffey · Answer

The annual visit is the first visit with your primary care doctor and each PCP has it's own basic exam, reviewing any changes and ordering basic lab work is generally the annual visit.

Lyle Affleck · Answer

Medicare will cover your annual wellness visit, which covers things like your annual flu vaccinations. It is a time for you to discuss your medical needs or worries with your doctor. Your doctor will check your vision, hearing, reflexes, bloodwork and a lot more, making sure you are in as good of health as you can be.

Answered by Lyle Affleck on November 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in UT, CO, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Lyle Affleck Medicare Insurance Agent

Stanley Wittenberg · Answer

Full exam including ekg. Might be slight cost to ekg. Other costs are covered . Usually blood work included

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!

Susan Winters · Answer

Annual Wellness Visits is a plan to keep you healthy and covers, Review of your health risk assessment, health history and medications, check your height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, screenings for memory and depression, Discuss your risk for falls, and create a personalized prevention plan. This DOES NOT cover a full physical exam, labs, bloodwork, tests, or treatment.

Answered by Susan Winters on July 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Susan Winters 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.

Edward Pevnick · Answer

The wellness visit includes the office visit with a Doctor/provider. This can also include any tests ordered by the office for purpose of checking overall health.

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

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

LaKeshia Howard · Answer

Included in a wellness visit are treatments such as health risk assessment, check for cognitive functions, depression, and also discuss personalized prevention plans

Curtis Beckles · Answer

Annual wellness visit covers medical review of you medical conditions, prescription, routine assessment of cognitive functions and some degree of preventative services and test.

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

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