Member: What is the difference between an Annual Wellness Visit and a Physical Exam? Do I need to get both? —Amir, St. Paul
Doctor: An Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive exam and is more of a conversation about your health history and concerns. Whereas a Physical Exam is more hands-on. Your doctor will look, feel and listen to your body to decide if any other tests might be needed. Some more differences:
Annual Wellness Visit
- Going through your medical and family history.
- Making or updating a list of providers you see and medications you take.
- Taking key measurements like height, weight and blood pressure.
- Checking for signs of things like dementia or depression.
- Making a list of risk factors and treatment options for you.
- Talking about a schedule for preventive services like screenings and immunizations.
- Talking about advance care planning.
Annual Physical Exam
- Reviewing your medical and family history.
- Taking key measurements, such as height, weight and blood pressure.
- Checking your heart rate, breathing, and temperature.
- Listening to your heart and lungs.
- Examining your eyes, ears, throat, skin and stomach.
- Making a list of risk factors and treatment options for you.
- Talking about a schedule for preventive services like screenings and shots.
If your doctor recommends or does any extra care, tests or procedures during your preventive visit, those might be at additional costs. Be sure to ask your doctor or call us to check how much these extra services will cost before you get them. To learn more about the importance of preventive care, visit bluecrossmn.com/medicare-preventive.
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