What is an Annual Physical Exam?
An Annual Physical Exam is a comprehensive, in-depth examination focused on assessing your current health and diagnosing any existing conditions. This appointment typically includes hands-on assessments and may involve various diagnostic tests.
- Coverage: Typically covered by private insurance but not by Medicare.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive Physical Examination: Your physician will conduct a thorough check-up, including vital signs, heart and lung function, and other health indicators.
- Screening Tests and Labs: Includes screenings like blood pressure measurement, cholesterol screening, blood glucose testing, and other lab work based on your age and health risks.
- Diagnostic Tests: If necessary, your doctor may order additional tests like X-rays, EKGs, or other diagnostics to assess specific health concerns.
- Addressing Current Health Issues: This appointment focuses on managing any existing health conditions, offering treatment options or referrals if needed.
What is an Annual Wellness Visit?
An Annual Wellness Visit is focused on preventive care and long-term health planning. It provides an opportunity for a comprehensive review of your health to create a personalized plan to improve your overall well-being, but it does not address specific health conditions.
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Coverage: Fully covered by Medicare, Marketplace health plans, and some other insurance plans.
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Key Features:
- Health Risk Assessment: Your nurse will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, lifestyle, and potential risk factors to assess your health risks.
- Medication Review: A review of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements, to ensure they are appropriate and effective.
- Personalized Health Advice: Based on the assessment, your nurse will provide tailored health advice and preventive recommendations, such as lifestyle changes, necessary screenings (e.g., colonoscopy or mammogram), and vaccinations.
- Personalized Prevention Plan: The goal is to create a prevention plan specific to your health needs and goals, helping you manage chronic conditions and prevent future issues.
- Advance Care Planning: Discuss future healthcare decisions in case you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself due to serious illness.
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Note: This visit does not include the diagnosis or treatment of specific health conditions like the cold, flu, or injury. If you have a health concern, you will need a separate appointment.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- Focus:
- Physical Exam: Current health assessment and management of existing conditions.
- Wellness Visit: Preventive care and long-term health planning.
- Tests and Procedures:
- Physical Exam: Includes comprehensive exams, lab tests, and diagnostic procedures.
- Wellness Visit: No diagnostic tests, just assessments and advice.
- Insurance Coverage:
- Physical Exam: Often covered by private insurance, but not Medicare.
- Wellness Visit: Fully covered by Medicare.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you're seeking a detailed health check-up or need help managing current health conditions, the Annual Physical Exam is your best choice.
- If you’re looking for preventive care and a long-term health plan tailored to your needs, the Annual Wellness Visit is the way to go.
Schedule Your Visit Today
For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call 954-434-1705.