What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

At the Annual Wellness Visit, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history, review your risk factors and make a personalized prevention plan to keep you healthy. The visit does not include a hands-on exam or any testing that your doctor may recommend, nor does it include any discussion about any new or current medical problems, conditions, or medications. (There is no out of pocket cost for the medical annual wellness visit).

You may schedule another visit to address those issues, or your doctor may charge the usual Medicare fees for such services that are beyond the scope of the Annual Wellness Visit. To learn more your coverage, click here

IPPE, AWV, & Routine Physical: Know the Differences

Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE)

The Initial Preventive Physical Exam – also known as the "Welcome to Medicare Preventative Visit" – promotes good health through disease prevention and detection.

Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

Visit to develop or update a Personalized Prevention Plan (PPP) and perform a Health Risk Assessment (HRA)

Routine Physical Exam

Exam performed without relationship to treatment or diagnosis for a specific illness, symptom, complaint, or injury