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Your Annual Wellness Visit

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Which exams and screenings you need depends on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how active you are, and whether you smoke.

To make the most of your next check-up, here are some things to do before you go:

  • Review your family medical history
  • Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations
  • Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you

What is an Annual Wellness Visit?

This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health. It also includes education and counseling about preventive services, including these:

  • Certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots, and referrals for other care, if needed.
  • Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.
  • A calculation of your body mass index.
  • A simple vision test.
  • A review of your potential risk for depression and your level of safety.
  • An offer to talk with you about creating advance directives.
  • A written plan letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventive services you need.

Things to know

When you make your appointment, let your doctor’s office know you would like to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit. For those on Medicare, this may also be called the “Welcome to Medicare Visit.” Bring the following to your appointment:

  • Medical records, including immunization records.
  • Family health history.
  • A list of any prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Medicare.gov