Taking care of your health is extremely important. For this, people need to visit their primary care physician on a timely basis. A regular visit helps you stay up to date regarding your health, and detect any underlying health issues. This is where annual physicals and wellness visits come in. However, many people get confused between the two.
You may be wondering how these two are different, and which one is better. In this blog, we explain the annual physical and the wellness visit. So, let’s begin!
What Is an Annual Physical?
An annual physical exam is a comprehensive checkup, designed to catch health issues early. Healthcare professionals will monitor your condition and make sure your body functions as it should. Any labs or imaging are based on your age, risk, and national guidelines (USPSTF). This exam takes place once every year, and the key components include:
- Medical History: A thorough discussion will be held regarding your medical history and lifestyle.
- Vital Signs Check: Blood pressure, heart rate, weight, respiratory rate, height, and temperature will be monitored.
- Physical Examination: An examination will be done to assess your overall body systems.
- Lab Tests: Blood tests and cholesterol tests are done according to your age and health risks.
What Is a Wellness Visit?
In Medicare, a “Yearly Wellness Visit” (AWV) creates or updates a personalized prevention plan and does not include a full head-to-toe exam. Many non-Medicare plans cover an annual preventive exam that typically includes a focused physical exam.
A wellness visit focuses on prevention and future health planning. New or ongoing problems may require a separate “problem-oriented” visit, which can be billed in addition to the wellness visit.
A Medicare wellness visit includes routine measurements and questionnaires (health risk, cognition, fall/depression/substance-use risk) and sets up a personalized screening and immunization plan. It doesn’t include a full “head-to-toe exam,” and lab tests, if needed, are billed separately.
The key components of a wellness visit include:
- Health Risk Assessment
- Personalized Screening Checklist
- Advanced care planning (optional)
- Cognitive/Fall/Depression risk checks
- Immunizations: Doctors will make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccines.
Annual Physical vs Wellness Visit
Annual physical and wellness visits are extremely important for your health. However, there are some differences between them, such as:
Purpose:
An annual physical focuses on your current health. In comparison, a wellness visit focuses on a prevention plan and screening schedule.
Examination:
A physical exam includes a head-to-toe examination of you and lab tests according to risk. This helps identify conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol before they cause symptoms. It makes treatment more effective and prevents complications.
On the other hand, a wellness visit comprises questionnaires, and a check up of your vital signs. A wellness visit is designed to look ahead. Your doctor reviews your risk factors, family history, and lifestyle, and creates a personalized prevention plan. This includes age-appropriate screenings, vaccinations, and counseling to help you stay healthy and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.It does not include a comprehensive exam or lab tests.
Why Annual Physical and Wellness Visits Matter for Your Health?
Here is why annual physicals and wellness visits matter for your health:
- Early Detection of Health Issues
- Preventive Care and Long-Term Planning
- Personalized Healthcare
- Prevents Future Complications
- Peace of Mind
Final Thoughts
While many people debate regarding annual physical vs wellness visit, it is important to understand that both help identify and manage health issues.
At the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center, we offer expert medical services in a comfortable and safe environment. Our healthcare providers will help you meet all your health goals. So, schedule your consultation with us today and get effective treatment solutions!