Annual Wellness Visits

Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) are now being covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, with no patient co-pays or deductibles.

What is an annual wellness visit?

An annual wellness visit is an essential part of your preventive health care plan. This visit helps Dr. Patel and providers at Three Rivers Area Medical Associates identify underlying diseases or disorders before symptoms appear.

Early intervention of many chronic conditions can lower risk factors for long-term complications. Early care can also make conditions easier to manage with less invasive therapies.

The importance of having an annual care plan that includes preventive care, daily physical activity, good nutrition, and a supportive medical community should not be underestimated as an effective way to decrease the need for hospital and nursing homestays. The earlier these activities begin – the better the outcome.

As part of your Annual Wellness Visit the providers can recommend strategies you can use throughout the year to optimize your overall wellness and lower your risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other potentially preventable chronic health issues.

When should I schedule an annual wellness visit?

Schedule an annual wellness visit at Three Rivers AMA once a year, even if you’re feeling well and have no unusual symptoms.

An annual wellness visit is also a great time to get updated on vaccinations that protect against contagious conditions like tetanus, seasonal flu, and pneumonia.

You might also need a routine wellness check before starting a new job, registering for organized sports, or participating in other high-impact activities.

What can I expect during my annual wellness visit?

During your annual wellness visit, the providers review your personal and family medical history to identify certain risk factors for disease. They also ask you about your diet, lifestyle, job, relationships, and other factors that influence your overall wellness.

During your visit, your provider will:

• Take your vital signs, such as height, weight and blood pressure
• Ask questions about your current health status, level of safety and any future health risks
• Screen for depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues
• Update your medical history, current medications, and discuss other providers who are contributing to your care

You will have the option to discuss advance care planning with your provider, so that your choices about your future medical care can be documented.

The providers may recommend blood work or other lab services if you have risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other chronic diseases, and they can also screen for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. While there is no copay for the annual wellness visit, note that there may be a copay for any labs conducted during the visit if laboratory testing is done.

Based on the results of your evaluation, the providers can suggest lifestyle and diet changes you can make to lose weight, strengthen your muscles, and support your long-term well-being. They can also recommend the immunizations you need to prevent complications from contagious diseases.

How should I prepare for my annual wellness visit?

Be sure to bring the following information to your appointment:

• A list of all of the healthcare providers and durable medical equipment companies that contribute to your healthcare, including community based providers (e.g., personal care, adult day care, home-delivered meals, etc.)
• A list of all your medications, including calcium and vitamins, as well as the dose you take and how often your take them (If you’d prefer, you may bring in all of your current medication bottles.)
• Any questionnaires or paperwork that you may have been asked to complete prior to your visit

Call Three Rivers Area Medical Associates at (269) 273-8511 to schedule your annual wellness visit .