If you have Medicare, you’re eligible for a free yearly “wellness check-in” called the annual wellness exam; and preparing ahead can make the visit more useful, more efficient, and more meaningful.

 What is the Annual Wellness Exam (AWV)?

The “annual wellness exam” under Medicare is not a traditional head-to-toe physical examination. Instead, it’s a preventive-care visit designed to help you stay healthy, spot early risk factors, and update your personalized health plan.

During the visit, your provider may:

• Take routine measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, BMI).

• Ask you to complete a “Health Risk Assessment”; a questionnaire about your health, lifestyle, and risk factors.

• Review your medical history, family history, and current medications (including supplements and vitamins).

• Update your list of healthcare providers, specialists, and suppliers.

• Provide a plan for preventive care; screenings, immunizations, referrals, and more.

• Perform basic cognitive and mental-health screening if needed (for signs of dementia, depression, etc.)

Importantly, because the AWV is preventive, it does not usually include labs, X-rays, or a full physical exam.

Medicare Part B covers the visit at no cost; as long as the provider accepts assignment.

How to Prepare for Your Wellness Exam; Checklist for a Successful Visit

To get the most out of your AWV, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to do before you go:

• Bring a current list of all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements; including dosages and how often you take them. Doctors often ask to see the bottles for accuracy.

• Write down your medical history and family history, including surgeries, chronic conditions, past illnesses, and any major treatments.

• List your health-care providers and specialists (names, contact info), especially if you see multiple doctors or have outside specialists/suppliers.

• Note the dates of recent preventive services or screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, etc.) so your doctor knows what’s up-to-date.

• Prepare a list of questions or concerns: maybe you’re worried about balance, memory, sleep, diet, or exercise. AWV is a great time to bring them up, or at least get advice on what to monitor or when to follow up.

• If you’ve been sent a Health Risk Assessment ahead of time, fill it out carefully; answer honestly and bring it to your appointment.

Also, if you use hearing aids, assistive devices, or have mobility concerns, note them. The AWV chance is useful for catching safety or accessibility issues (like fall risk, home hazards, or need for additional assistance).

 What to Know (And Watch Out For).

• The annual wellness exam is not the same as a full physical examination. If you want blood tests, imaging, or treatment for new complaints, you might need a separate appointment. That’s normal under Medicare.

• If your doctor orders lab tests or extra services during the AWV, those may trigger coinsurance or deductibles; so it helps to clarify billing upfront.

• Use the AWV as a chance to reset your health care plan: update medications, ask about vaccinations, preventive screenings, referrals for specialists, cognitive screening, and lifestyle guidance (diet, exercise, mental health).

Why the Annual Wellness Exam Matters Even If You Feel Great.

Your health isn’t just about treating what’s wrong; it’s about preventing what might go wrong. The annual wellness exam helps you and your doctor stay ahead of chronic diseases, manage risk factors, and build a long-term plan for healthy aging.

For older adults or anyone with chronic conditions, these visits can be crucial; especially for catching potential issues early, updating care routines, or addressing memory or mobility concerns before they become serious.

📞 Ready for Help Navigating Medicare? Contact Brian at I Know Medicare!

If you want to make sure you’re using your Medicare benefits to the fullest and get help understanding what coverage you have, give Brian at **I Know Medicare a call.

Brian will guide you through what your plan covers, help you schedule an annual wellness exam, and make sure you’re set up for ongoing care.

Schedule a call with Brian today  for a free, no-obligation consultation and take control of your health with confidence.