A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is an appointment with your primary care provider (MD, DO or nurse practitioner) that focuses on general health, disease prevention and detecting possible risks to your health.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
How is the annual wellness visit different from an annual physical exam?
Original Medicare does not cover a routine physical.
The priority at the annual wellness visit is for you and a member of your health care team to have a conversation that allows them to create a personalized disease prevention plan for you. The visit focuses on screenings and other ways of identifying risks to your health.
Am I eligible for an annual wellness visit?
You are eligible if you have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least one year and haven't had an annual wellness visit in the past year. This includes patients with Medicare Advantage plans.
Can I do the annual wellness visit by video?
It depends on the clinic. Please ask your care team.
May I bring up new or chronic medical problems at my annual wellness visit?
Contact your primary care clinic to discuss your options. If you choose to discuss new or chronic medical problems, you may be charged your usual Medicare co-pay amount.
Do I need to do anything before my annual wellness visit?
Yes. You should complete a "health risk assessment," a questionnaire that will be available in your MyChart account 14 days before your appointment. If you don't complete your questionnaire in advance, please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your appointment.
What do I need to do after my annual wellness visit?
You will leave with a printed or electronic record of our recommendations, information on preventive health, and a schedule of recommended screening tests and vaccinations covering the next five to 10 years.
What will happen during my annual wellness visit?
A primary care provider will review your answers to the health risk assessment with you and may also do the following:
- Update the list of your medical providers
- Review and update your medical history and family medical history
- Review all medicines, supplements and vitamins you take
- Assess your mental health, including screening for depression and substance use
- Assess your mobility and risk for falls
- Test your memory (if appropriate)
- Discuss and provide referrals for any preventive services you need
- Discuss your advance care planning options (optional)
How do I schedule my annual wellness visit?
You may be able to schedule it directly via the UCSF patient portal, MyChart. If you don't see that option, please call your primary care clinic.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
