What is the difference between a preventive exam and a wellness exam?

Asked by: Dr. Brain Hills Sr.  |  Last update: March 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)

Preventive care sounds like something that you would do like a checkup to make sure that everything is okay and wellness care sounds like something that you would do if something is wrong with you and you need -- you're getting taking care of and therefore, after you're getting taking care of, the after -- the after ...

What is typically included in a wellness check?

Review your blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Review your current health problems, as well as your medical, surgical, family and social histories. Review your current medications. Conduct a health risk assessment.

What is a preventative exam?

A preventive exam is a periodic exam that covers all prevention and health maintenance issues. related to age, sex and family history; it is a “Well Exam”. A preventive exam is not a follow-up visit or. a problem based visit.

Which are typically included in a wellness exam?

During your wellness exam you may receive screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs. Your doctor may ask you about current stress, physical activity, diet, or drug use such as tobacco and alcohol.

What is not included in a wellness exam?

Bloodwork, X-rays, and lab tests

Bloodwork, X-rays, lab tests, and any other medical biometric data collection are explicitly not covered under Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit. These ancillary procedures are often performed in conjunction with an annual physical or a sick visit.

What's the difference between a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and an Annual Physical?

25 related questions found

What is the difference between annual wellness visit and preventive visit?

The prevention plan includes a screening schedule for preventive services to help the patient maintain their health and prevent potential illnesses. An annual physical includes a wellness exam and a full physical exam including blood work, lab tests and vaccinations.

What would not be a reason for a wellness exam?

If a person has a specific problem, a wellness visit will not address this. It also does not check up on any chronic health conditions a person may have, such as diabetes. Wellness visits focus on maintaining health and preventing health issues in the future.

Are wellness exams covered by insurance?

While wellness exams are typically covered by insurance, your insurance may not cover all associated costs, such as labs or tests. Most insurance companies cover one wellness exam per year.

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

Word recollection (Banana, Sunrise, Chair) Have patient repeat the 3 words, tell them to remember them.

What is the difference between a physical exam and a wellness exam?

A physical exam helps your doctor figure out what the problem is and what needs to be done. When you're healthy and feeling good, you want to stay that way. A wellness exam helps your doctor understand what's working for you and how to best support your continued health and well-being.

What falls under preventive care?

Preventive Care
  • Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests.
  • Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies.
  • Counseling on such topics as quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthfully, treating depression, and reducing alcohol use.
  • Regular well-baby and well-child visits.

What is a routine preventive exam?

A routine preventive exam is technically defined as a periodic comprehensive preventive medical. evaluation and management and includes the following: • Past medical, social and family history. • Complete physical exam and review of body systems. • Review of medications and administration of immunizations.

What is a women's preventive exam?

Well-woman visits focus on preventive care, which may include: A physical exam. Services, like vaccines (shots), that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems. Screening tests, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat.

What is a wellness check exam?

Your annual preventive health exam (aka well visit or annual physical) is scheduled with your primary care physician to catch potential health issues early, before they become serious, and to help you focus on wellness and a healthy lifestyle while identifying important screening tests, vaccinations and other necessary ...

What not to do before a wellness check?

What not to do before a physical exam
  1. Consuming alcohol.
  2. Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
  3. Eating a high-fat meal before bloodwork.
  4. Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before bloodwork that requires a fast.
  5. Taking cold medicine if you're feeling under the weather.

Do you get charged for a wellness check?

A wellness or welfare check is a free service provided by local law enforcement agencies to verify the safety and well-being of an individual that their friends or family are worried about and unable to check on themselves.

What questions are asked during a wellness exam?

During a medical examination, your doctor will inquire about your family's medical history, prior illnesses or surgeries, and any present symptoms or health worries. Although doctors ask about your family's past illnesses, your family's medical history may have altered since your last appointment.

Is bloodwork part of a wellness visit?

Does a Wellness Exam Include Blood Work? Yes, a wellness exam can include blood work. However, it's important to note that the specific tests conducted during a wellness exam may vary from person to person.

What is not covered in a Medicare annual wellness visit?

Annual Wellness Visits do not include: A physical exam. Diagnosing of new conditions. Treatment of existing or new conditions.

How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors?

Medicare does not limit the number of times a person can consult their doctor, but it may limit how often they can have a particular test and access other services. Individuals can contact Medicare directly at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to discuss physician coverage in further detail.

What is considered an abnormal finding on a wellness exam?

Abnormal finding represents any non-clinically significant abnormal symptoms/disease that have been newly diagnosed or have worsened since last visit (or since informed consent for baseline visit).

Is a physical the same as a wellness exam for Medicare?

An annual physical exam is more extensive than an AWV. It involves a physical exam by a doctor and includes bloodwork and other tests. The annual wellness visit will just include checking routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure.

Do you have to undress for a wellness exam?

"Undressing to assess" is an important part of the physical exam. It allows physicians to evaluate for changes in skin color, abnormal bruising and lumps, or bumps in various body parts.