A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is your chance to have a heart-to-heart with your care team and make sure everything is running like a well-oiled machine. During this visit you will work with a member of your care team to develop or update your personalized care plan to help prevent disease or disability, based on your current health and risk factors. And, if there are any pesky problems, your care team will work with you to get you back on track, so you can keep cruising along on the highway of health!
Reminder - your yearly “Wellness” visit isn’t a physical exam.
Reminder - your yearly “Wellness” visit isn’t a physical exam.
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An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is not your run-of-the-mill check-up. During a physical, your provider plays detective, looking for any nasty surprises and doing routine tests. But an AWV is a whole different ball game. Think of it as a pow-wow with a member of your care team to chat about your health and your lifestyle. The aim is to create a personalized plan that keeps chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity at bay.
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During your AWV, a member of your care team will review your medical history, including any chronic conditions and medications you are taking. They will also assess your current health status by performing a simple physical examination, which may include checking your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
In addition to any necessary medical treatments, a member of your care team will consult with you about lifestyle modifications that might benefit your health. This may include exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques. They will also evaluate any recommended screening tests and vaccinations based on your age, gender, and medical history. Don't skip out on your AWV! These visits are crucial in keeping you healthy and happy. By catching any potential health concerns early on, you can take action to prevent them from escalating, and ultimately enhance your well-being. |
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Get ahead of the game and plan for the future with Advance Care Planning during your yearly AWV. Have a sit-down with a member of your care team to discuss creating an advanced directive and score some guidance in completing the paperwork. What is an advanced directive? It's your written voice, outlining how you want medical choices to be made when you can't speak for yourself. This could include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare.
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Annual wellness visits are an essential part of preventive healthcare that can help detect potential health problems early and keep you healthy. Fortunately, there are many helpful resources available to help you prepare for and make the most of your annual wellness visit. By taking advantage of these resources and preparing for your annual wellness visit, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care and stay healthy for years to come. Check out the materials below to learn more.
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Annual WELLNESS VISIT PATIENT HANDOUT
| annual_wellness_visit_patient_handout-2.pdf |
ADVANCED CARE PLANNING
| nia-advance-care-planning.pdf |
