Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Taking care of your health doesn’t stop when you feel well. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is an important preventive visit that helps identify health risks, keeps you up to date on recommended screenings, and creates a personalized plan to help you stay healthy.
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care, we provide Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for eligible Medicare beneficiaries in Marlborough, MA. Our experienced primary care team takes the time to understand your health history, discuss your goals, and develop a preventive care plan tailored to your individual needs.
Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, we’re here to help you make the most of your Medicare preventive benefits.
We are currently accepting new Medicare patients.
Schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit today.
What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive healthcare visit covered by Medicare Part B for eligible beneficiaries. Unlike a traditional annual physical exam, this visit focuses on prevention, early detection of health risks, and developing a long-term plan to maintain your health.
The visit includes a review of your overall health, lifestyle, medications, risk factors, and preventive care needs so your healthcare provider can create a personalized prevention plan.
Medicare generally covers one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months if eligibility requirements are met.
What Happens During Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Your visit is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of your health and identify opportunities to prevent illness before it develops.
Review of Your Medical History
We’ll review:
- Current medical conditions
- Previous illnesses and surgeries
- Family medical history
- Current medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Allergies
- Specialists involved in your care
Health Risk Assessment
You’ll complete a health questionnaire that helps us understand your overall well-being, including:
- Physical activity
- Nutrition
- Sleep habits
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Home safety
- Daily activities
- Overall health concerns
Vital Signs and Measurements
Your visit may include:
- Height
- Weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Blood pressure
Please note that a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit does not include a comprehensive head-to-toe physical examination.
Memory and Cognitive Screening
Changes in memory can occur gradually. We evaluate for early signs of cognitive impairment when appropriate and discuss any concerns you or your family may have.
Depression Screening
Mental health is an important part of overall wellness. We screen for depression and discuss emotional well-being as part of your preventive care.
Fall Risk Assessment
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. We’ll assess your risk by discussing:
- Previous falls
- Balance concerns
- Mobility
- Home safety
- Assistive devices if needed
Review of Recommended Vaccinations
We’ll review whether you’re due for vaccines such as:
- Influenza (Flu)
- COVID-19
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
- Shingles
- RSV
- Tetanus (Td/Tdap)
Personalized Prevention Plan
At the end of your visit, you’ll receive a customized prevention plan that may include recommendations for:
- Cancer screenings
- Cholesterol testing
- Diabetes screening
- Bone density testing
- Vaccinations
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Smoking cessation resources, if appropriate
What Is Not Included in a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
Many patients are surprised to learn that the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is different from a traditional annual physical.
The visit does not generally include:
- A comprehensive physical examination
- Evaluation of new illnesses or injuries
- Treatment of acute medical problems
- Management of new symptoms requiring medical evaluation
- Prescription changes for new medical conditions
If you have new or significant medical concerns during your visit, your provider may recommend addressing them during the same appointment or scheduling a separate medically necessary evaluation. Depending on Medicare rules and your coverage, this may result in additional costs.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit vs. Annual Physical Exam
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit | Annual Physical Exam |
Focuses on prevention and future health planning | Comprehensive physical examination |
Includes a personalized prevention plan | Includes a head-to-toe physical assessment |
Reviews health risks and preventive screenings | Evaluates overall physical health |
Covered by Medicare Part B for eligible patients | Original Medicare generally does not cover routine annual physicals |
Helps coordinate preventive care | May include additional physical examination findings |
Our team can help determine which type of visit is appropriate for you.
Benefits of a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Regular preventive care can help you:
- Detect health problems early
- Stay up to date on recommended screenings
- Reduce the risk of preventable illnesses
- Maintain independence as you age
- Better manage chronic conditions
- Improve overall quality of life
- Coordinate care among specialists
- Create a long-term healthcare plan
- Detect health problems early
- Stay up to date on recommended screenings
- Reduce the risk of preventable illnesses
- Maintain independence as you age
- Better manage chronic conditions
- Improve overall quality of life
- Coordinate care among specialists
- Create a long-term healthcare plan
Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
- You have Medicare Part B.
- It’s been at least 12 months since your Medicare Part B coverage started.
- It’s been at least 12 months since your last Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
If you’re new to Medicare, you may instead qualify for a Welcome to Medicare Visit during your first year of Part B coverage.
If you’re unsure which preventive visit you’re eligible for, our staff can help.
Additional Preventive Screenings We May Recommend
Depending on your age, health history, and risk factors, we may recommend:
Cancer Screenings
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening (when appropriate)
- Lung cancer screening for eligible individuals
- Prostate cancer screening after shared decision-making
Heart Health Screening
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Cholesterol testing
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
Diabetes Screening
Screening for diabetes or prediabetes may be recommended based on your risk factors.
Osteoporosis Screening
Bone density testing may be appropriate for eligible patients to evaluate fracture risk.
Vision and Hearing Evaluation
If needed, we’ll recommend further evaluation with an eye care or hearing specialist.
Why Choose Zenith Primary & Urgent Care?
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care, we believe preventive care should be personalized, convenient, and centered around your long-term health.
Patients choose us because we offer:
- Physician-led primary care
- Personalized preventive care plans
- Comprehensive chronic disease management
- Convenient Marlborough location
- Same-day appointments for urgent healthcare needs
- Coordination with specialists
- Compassionate, patient-centered care
- Acceptance of many Medicare plans
- Welcoming environment for new patients
Our goal is to build lasting relationships that help you stay healthy for years to come.
Primary Care Insurance and Self-Pay
Contact our primary-care team at 617-500-7922 to confirm your insurance plan and visit costs. Patients without insurance may ask about self-pay. Coverage, copayments and separately billed services vary.
FAQs
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit free?
For eligible beneficiaries, Medicare Part B generally covers the Annual Wellness Visit when eligibility requirements are met. However, if additional medical problems are evaluated or treated during the visit, Medicare cost-sharing may apply for those services.
Is this the same as an annual physical?
No. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit focuses on preventive care and developing a personalized prevention plan. It does not include a comprehensive physical examination.
How long does the visit take?
Most visits take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your medical history and preventive care needs.
Should I bring my medications?
Yes. Bring an updated list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Do I need to fast?
No. Fasting is generally not required unless additional laboratory testing has been scheduled separately.
Can I discuss other health concerns during the visit?
Yes. If you have new symptoms or medical concerns, let your provider know. Depending on the complexity of the issues addressed, a separate evaluation and management service may be billed according to Medicare guidelines.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
Contact Zenith about Medicare annual wellness visit at our Marlborough clinic. Call 617-500-7922 or use primary-care booking to check available appointments.
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