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Medicare Annual Wellness Visits: What Seniors Need to Know
If you’re enrolled in Medicare, your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is one of the most important—and most underused—benefits available to you. This visit is designed to help adults 65 and older stay proactive about their health, identify risks early, and plan for the year ahead.
At Dawson Med Primary & Urgent Care, we offer Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for seniors in Wilmington, NC, helping patients take full advantage of their Medicare benefits while building a long-term relationship with a trusted primary care provider.
What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a preventive appointment covered by Medicare that focuses on your overall health, not a head-to-toe physical exam. Its purpose is to assess health risks, review medical history, and create or update a personalized prevention plan.
This visit helps your provider understand the full picture of your health so potential concerns can be addressed early—before they become more serious.
What’s Included in a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
During your visit, your provider may review or discuss:
- Your medical and family history
- Current medications and supplements
- Blood pressure, weight, and other basic measurements
- Cognitive and memory screening
- Fall risk and mobility concerns
- Depression and mental health screening
- Preventive screenings and vaccines you may need
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, activity, and sleep
You’ll also receive a personalized prevention plan outlining recommended screenings, tests, and follow-up care.
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Free?
Yes. Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit at no cost to you as long as you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months and use a provider who accepts Medicare.
This makes it one of the easiest ways for seniors to stay on top of their health without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
Annual Wellness Visit vs. Physical Exam: What’s the Difference?
Many seniors are surprised to learn that a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as a traditional physical exam.
- A Wellness Visit focuses on prevention, planning, and risk assessment
- A Physical Exam may involve hands-on examination or addressing new medical concerns
If new symptoms or medical issues come up during your wellness visit, your provider may recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment to address them in more detail.
Why Annual Wellness Visits Matter for Seniors
For adults over 65, health needs can change quickly. Annual Wellness Visits help by:
- Catching health risks early
- Reviewing medications for safety and effectiveness
- Monitoring memory, balance, and mental health
- Keeping preventive screenings up to date
- Reducing the risk of emergency care or hospital visits
These visits also strengthen your relationship with your primary care provider, making future care more personalized and effective.
How Often Should Seniors Schedule a Medicare Wellness Visit?
Medicare covers one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months. Most seniors benefit from scheduling this visit once a year, even if they feel healthy.
If you’re managing chronic conditions or have had recent health changes, your provider may recommend additional visits throughout the year.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visits at Dawson Med
At Dawson Med in Wilmington, NC, our providers take the time to make Annual Wellness Visits comfortable, informative, and personalized. We focus on clear communication, respect, and helping seniors feel confident about their health plan.
We accept Medicare and many Medicare Advantage plans and offer convenient appointment scheduling.
Schedule Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit in Wilmington, NC
Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is an opportunity to take charge of your health—at no cost to you.
If you’re looking for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits in Wilmington, NC, Dawson Med is here to help.
Schedule your visit today at (910) 387-3788 and take the next step toward healthier aging.