Annual Wellness Visits

When you're busy, scheduling an annual wellness exam with your provider is probably the last thing on your mind. However, the benefits of these exams far outweigh any inconvenience. Preventive visits play a crucial role in keeping you healthy.

Annual wellness visits typically range from 20 to 30 minutes. During these short appointments, your doctor will review your health history and medications and offer advice about improving your health, such as smoking cessation or weight loss.

Depending on your age, you also may need additional health screenings. Many screenings and vaccines, including flu shots, mammograms and blood tests to assess your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, are currently covered by insurance plans at no additional cost to you.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, also cover your annual wellness visits for free as part of your plan. Only preventive services focusing on your "big picture" health are covered during these appointments. If you want to talk with your doctor about a specific problem, such as recurrent joint pain or fatigue, or if you need blood work or other laboratory tests, you may need to schedule a separate appointment or pay an office visit copay. Make sure to ask about the cost of services or tests if you're unsure. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the billing code for a wellness exam is typically G0438. When scheduling a wellness exam, make sure you and your doctor understand which preventive services you want.

If you've never asked older relatives about their health history, make sure to do so before your appointment. If your parents, grandparents, siblings or other close relatives have been diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, for example, you may have a greater-than-average risk of developing these conditions. Doctors often personalize their health recommendations based on this information, so it's essential to give your doctor an up-to-date list of diseases or conditions you or your family has had.

In addition, make sure to bring a list of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take, as well as the dosage of each pill, to your appointment. Take a moment to reflect on any questions you want to ask during your visit.

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