What's Included in Your Wellness Visit?

An annual wellness check-up is something you're likely familiar with. Whether it's an in-person visit with your primary care provider or a virtual appointment, it's recommended that everyone talk to a care provider at least once a year to discuss their health and wellness.

If you haven't established care with a primary care provider, Brandon Smith, ARNP, with EvergreenHealth Primary Care Canyon Park explains how you can benefit from doing so.

Ahead of your next annual checkup, you may wonder what is included, which mostly depends on the type of insurance you carry. Here, you'll find general information about what's included in a wellness visit. However, you should check with your insurance to understand the details regarding what exactly is covered in your wellness visit.

Your Yearly Wellness Visit

Usually, it's recommended that you visit your primary care provider at least once a year for a wellness visit. Depending on your health history and existing conditions, you may be advised to visit your primary care provider more often. Children should also receive a checkup more frequently.

A wellness visit will typically include:

• Reviewing your medical and family history
• Updating or creating a list of your providers and medications
• Taking down routine measurements like your height, weight and blood pressure
• Scheduling preventative screenings or tests
• Discussion with your provider on your lifestyle and how to protect your health

For seniors, Advanced Care Planning may also be included in your annual wellness checkup. This involves planning for a time when you are unable to make care decisions for yourself. Through Advanced Care Planning, you and your provider can begin discussing how you can start to reflect on what's important to you should you experience a medical crisis and begin planning so that you receive the treatment you want.

If there are additional concerns you'd like to discuss with your provider, you can notify them ahead of the appointment.

This "added service" or any new concerns are identified during your checkup that need testing and/or treatment may result in your wellness visit turning into what's called a "Combined Visit" or a "Problem Visit," which your insurance provider may charge a copay for.

Your insurance may also charge you additionally for any review or follow-up of a prior health concern or medication.

Importance of Your Annual Checkup

Your annual checkup may seem routine and inconvenient, it is vital to lasting health wellness. It provides you and your provider an opportunity to touch base and can very likely help catch a health concern early so that you can receive advice or treatment.

Schedule your next annual checkup via MyChart today!