Your Annual Wellness Visit: Essential Care for Older Adults

If you're over 65, an annual wellness visit is one of the best ways to stay healthy. These visits help find potential issues early, keep you feeling your best, and guide you toward healthy aging.

Think of it as maintenance for your body. Just as a car needs tune-ups to run smoothly, your body thrives with regular care. Below is information on what an annual wellness visit is, why it matters, and how to best prepare for it.

What is an annual wellness visit?

An annual wellness visit is different from an appointment to treat an illness. It’s a yearly check-up focused on preventing future health problems.

During this visit, you’ll talk with your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) about your overall health, review your medical history, and make a personalized plan to stay healthy. It may include screenings for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as discussions about your diet, exercise and sleep habits.

For more information on what happens during an annual wellness visit, read our blog post “Your Annual Wellness Visit: More Than Just a Check Up.”

Common questions and answers about your annual wellness visits

As a primary care doctor, my patients frequently ask me questions about the annual wellness visit. Here are a few of the most common questions asked.

• “I feel fine. Do I really need this?”
  Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean everything is okay. Some health problems, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can develop quietly with no symptoms. Finding them early means they can be treated before they become serious.
  
  
• “What if they find something wrong?”
  It’s normal to feel nervous, but catching a problem early often results in easier and more effective treatment. Think of it this way - the sooner you know, the more options you have for treatment.
  
  
• “Can I afford this?”
  Medicare covers the cost of annual wellness visits, including most recommended screenings. If you have questions about cost or what is covered, you can contact Medicare directly to discuss your coverage.

Preparing for your annual wellness visit

To get the most out of your annual wellness visit, it is important to prepare some items in advance. Here is a list of items to prepare:

• Bring a list of all your medications: Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
  
  
• Write down your questions or concerns: Note any health changes or issues you want to talk about, even if they seem small.
  
  
• Know your family health history: Information about health conditions like heart disease or cancer in close relatives can help your doctor or APP better assess your risks for these diseases.
  
  
• Be honest about your lifestyle: Mention any major changes in your life, like a new living situation or added stress. These can affect both your physical and mental health.

An annual wellness visit is a chance for you to take charge of your health and work with your doctor or APP to stay active and well as you get older.

Don’t wait until something feels wrong to focus on your health. Schedule your annual wellness visit today and take an important step toward a healthier future.

* An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.