The Annual Wellness Visit, often called the AWV or Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, is a free yearly appointment with your primary care provider designed to help you stay healthy and prevent future illness. Unlike a traditional physical, the Annual Wellness Visit is non-invasive and focused on prevention, planning, and overall well-being.If you are a Georgian age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, this important visit is available to you at no cost.
What Is the Annual Wellness Visit?
The Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment that helps your provider create or update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health, lifestyle, and risk factors.
The Annual Wellness Visit is:
- Free for eligible Medicare recipients
- Paid for by Medicare
- Non-invasive
- Offered in person or via telehealth
- Designed to help prevent disease and disability
The Annual Wellness Visit is not:
- A head-to-toe physical exam
- Invasive or uncomfortable
Who Qualifies for a Free Annual Wellness Visit?
You qualify for a free Annual Wellness Visit if you can answer yes to all of the following:
- You are a U.S. adult age 65 or older
- You are enrolled in Medicare Part B
- It has been at least 12 months since your last Annual Wellness Visit
Original Medicare covers the full cost of your Annual Wellness Visit if you’re eligible.
Medicare Advantage Plans also cover Annual Wellness Visits with no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance when you see an in-network provider and meet Medicare requirements.
Please note: If your provider identifies a new or existing health concern during your visit, any additional testing or treatment is considered diagnostic and may be billed separately.
What Happens During an Annual Wellness Visit?
The Annual Wellness Visit focuses on your overall health and long-term wellness—not a physical exam. During the visit, your provider may:
- Check your vital signs
- Review your medical, social, and emotional health history
- Discuss preventive services such as screenings, immunizations, and referrals
- Check the health of your memory and thinking
- Work with you to set shared goals for preventing future illness
How to Prepare for Your Visit
You don’t need much to prepare for your Annual Wellness Visit, but gathering a few items in advance can be helpful:
- Immunization records and prior medical information
- Family health history
- A list of medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Notes about your physical activity and daily routines
What Should You Do Next?
Scheduling your visit is easy. Call your primary care provider’s office today and say:
“I want to schedule my Annual Wellness Visit.”
Your future health starts with one simple call.
At a Glance: Know the Difference Between a Yearly Physical and an Annual Wellness Visit
