Annual Wellness Visit

Annual Wellness Visit services offered in Downtown, Wilmington, NC

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize our health and wellness. One way to do this is by scheduling an Annual Wellness Visit with your provider at Dawson Med. An AWV is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider that focuses on preventive care and helps you stay on top of and ahead of any health concerns. AWV’s are particularly important if you are 65 or older, as it can help your care team identify potential health issues before they become serious. AWVs are covered by Medicare, Humana and Medicare Advantage plans without a copay.

At Dawson Med, we encourage all of our patients 65 and older to schedule an AWV with their PCP. Read the Q&A below to learn what you can expect during your visit:

Wellness Visits Q&A

What is an Annual Wellness Visit?

An Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider that focuses on preventive care and helps you stay on top of any health concerns. If you're 65 or older, an AWV is particularly important, as it can help catch potential health issues before they become serious.

What happens during an Annual Wellness Visit?

During your AWV, your primary care provider will review your family and medical history, check your vital signs,, assess your overall health–including screening for mental and cognitive issues, and create a personalized health plan for you.

Is an Annual Wellness Visit covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months at no cost to you. Other plans such as Humana or Medicare Advantage may allow AWV’s to be performed sooner than every 12 months.

At Dawson Med, we accept insurances including, but not limited to: Medicare and Medicare advantage (MA), Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare Advantage, United Health Care - Medicare Advantage, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, Cigna, Medcost, United Health Care, VA CCN, Champ VA, and Multiplan. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

How is an Annual Wellness Visit different from a regular check-up?

An Annual Wellness Visit is more focused on preventive care and addressing potential health issues before they become serious. It also includes a health risk assessment (HRA) and personalized health plan. A regular check-up may be more focused on addressing specific health concerns or symptoms.

Why is an Annual Wellness Visit important for patients 65 and older?

As we age, our risk for certain health issues increases. An Annual Wellness Visit is an important way to stay on top of your health and catch potential issues early. It's also a great opportunity to discuss your health goals and make a plan to achieve them.

At Dawson Med, we believe that preventive care is the key to staying healthy and happy as we age. That's why we strongly recommend an Annual Wellness Visit for all our patients 65 and older. To schedule your AWV, click “Book Online” today.