Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

How is the annual wellness visit different from an annual physical exam?

The priority at the annual wellness visit is for you and a member of your health care team to have a conversation that allows them to create a personalized disease prevention plan for you. The visit focuses on screenings and other ways of identifying risks to your health.

While the components of a yearly physical exam vary among providers, an annual wellness visit always follows a standardized format. Although you can request a physical at any office visit, the focus of this wellness visit is to devise a plan to safeguard your health.

Am I eligible for an annual wellness visit?

You are eligible if you have been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least one year and haven't had an annual wellness visit or a "Welcome to Medicare" visit in the past year. This includes patients with Medicare Advantage plans.

Can I do the annual wellness visit by video?

Yes! It's available remotely (through a video visit) and in person.

May I bring up new or chronic medical problems at my annual wellness visit?

If you wish to do this, you should plan ahead. Please ask the scheduler whether your primary care provider will do a combined wellness and problem-based visit. If you bring up a new or chronic health problem during the visit without checking first, you will likely be asked to make a second appointment.

If you opt for a combined wellness and problem-based visit, you may be required to pay your typical co-pay amount (as you would for a regular appointment).

Do I need to do anything before my annual wellness visit?

Yes. You should complete a "health risk assessment," a questionnaire that will be available in your MyChart account 14 days before your appointment. If we don't see your finished assessment in MyChart, we will call you to complete it.

What do I need to do after my annual wellness visit?

You will leave with a printed or electronic record of our recommendations, information on preventive health, and a schedule of recommended screening tests and vaccinations covering the next five to 10 years.

What will happen during my annual wellness visit?

A primary care provider or nurse practitioner will review your answers to the health risk assessment with you and may also do the following:

• Update the list of your medical providers
• Review and update your medical history and family medical history
• Review all medicines, supplements and vitamins you take
• Assess your mental health, including screening for depression and substance use
• Assess your mobility and risk for falls
• Test your vision (if appropriate)
• Test your memory (if appropriate)
• Discuss and provide referrals for any preventive services you need
• Discuss your advance care planning options (optional)

How do I schedule my annual wellness visit?

You may be able to schedule it directly via the UCSF patient portal, MyChart. If you don't see that option, please call your primary care clinic.