Your yearly wellness visit helps us:

• Get a clear picture of your overall health
• Catch problems early
• Prevent serious illnesses
• Keep you active and independent
• Make sure your vaccines and screenings are up to date
• Improve your quality of life
• Coordinate care among all your health care providers

This visit is all about staying healthy—not just treating illness.

Everyone! Wellness visits are recommended for people of all ages.

No. A refill visit manages your current conditions. A wellness visit focuses on preventing new health issues before they start.

Sometimes, but not always. Some providers allow both in one appointment; however, it’s usually best to schedule them separately. This helps with:

• Insurance requirements
• Making sure your wellness services are properly covered
• Giving your provider enough time to focus on preventive care
• Avoiding extra charges for addressing multiple issues in one visit

Yes! Even if you're receiving care for something like heart or lung disease, it’s still important to check on your overall health. Wellness visits cover more topics and help us spot unrelated issues early—sometimes even life-saving ones.

Not exactly. A wellness visit is mostly a conversation and health review. If you want a physical exam (Pap smear, breast exam, prostate exam, etc.), let the clinic receptionist know so we can schedule extra time.

For Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, trained RNs or LPNs can perform wellness visits using specific guidelines. They review your information with a physician or nurse practitioner, who then orders any needed tests. Your provider may briefly check in and schedule a follow-up for results.

No. Some insurance plans send a nurse to your home as a first step; however, this does not replace your wellness visit. Their findings are shared with your primary care provider, who will review results and plan any next steps with you.

1. Health History Review

We update your:

• Medical and surgical history
• Family history
• Medications and supplements
• List of specialists
• Lifestyle habits (diet, activity, tobacco/alcohol use, sleep, etc.)

2. Vital Signs

We check blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, and may include basic vision or hearing screening.

3. Memory and Mood Screening

We look for signs of:

• Memory concerns
• Dementia risk
• Depression or anxiety

4. Fall Risk and Safety Check

We talk about:

• Any recent falls
• Balance issues
• Home safety concerns

5. Daily Living Review

We see how well you can:

• Bathe
• Dress
• Cook
• Manage medications

We’ll also review any advance directives, which are legal documents outlining your health care wishes if you become unable to communicate or naming someone to decide for you, ensuring your end-of-life care aligns with your values.

6. Personalized Prevention Plan

Together, we’ll discuss:

• Recommended vaccines
• Cancer screenings
• Lab tests
• Lifestyle tips
• Education
• Referrals if needed

7. Social Needs Check

We help identify concerns about:

• Food
• Transportation
• Housing
• Anything that may affect your health

Our Population Health team may contact you by phone, mail or text when you’re due for your visit. Your insurance company may also contact you or offer incentives for completing recommended screenings.