Book now! Your Annual Wellness Visit

Feeling fine? That’s exactly when Medicare Advantage members should have their Annual Wellness Visit

If you wake up feeling good, moving well and generally thriving, scheduling a doctor’s visit might feel … unnecessary. After all, no cough, no pain, no problem, right? Not so fast.

Turns out, some of the most important medical visits happen when nothing feels wrong at all. That’s where the Annual Wellness Visit for older adults comes in. And if you’re on Medicare Advantage, they’re not just helpful, they’re built in.

Think of a wellness visit as a check-in, not a check-up. It’s less “Let’s fix something” and more “Let’s keep things running smoothly.”

The doctor visit that’s all about you
A wellness visit gives you dedicated time with a doctor to talk about your overall health, no rushed exam, no surprise needles, no awkward gown situation.

Instead, you can:

  • Ask questions about medications or supplements
  • Talk through diet or exercise changes
  • Bring up concerns you’ve been meaning to mention
  • Get clarity on preventive screenings and vaccines

It’s proactive, not reactive and, honestly, kind of refreshing.

Annual Wellness Visits for older adults are check-ins for your health
Medicare actually offers two types of wellness visits, and both are designed to help you stay ahead of health issues instead of chasing them later.

  1. The “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit This is your one-time welcome party, available within your first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare. During this visit, your doctor will:
    • Review your medical and family history
    • Take baseline measurements like height, weight, blood pressure and BMI
    • Talk through preventive screenings and vaccines
    • Discuss advance care planning (totally optional, but helpful)
    Think of it as laying the groundwork for your healthcare moving forward.
  2. The Annual Wellness Visit (your yearly health tune-up)
    After your first year on Medicare, you’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months, and this one’s all about planning ahead.

    At this visit, you can expect:
    • A health risk questionnaire
    • Updated measurements (weight, blood pressure, etc.)
    • A review of any changes to your medical or family history
    • A wellness screening and prevention checklist
    • Guidance tailored specifically to you
    • A brief cognitive assessment
    • Optional advance care planning

No poking and prodding, just thoughtful, preventive care.

Wait, isn’t this just a physical?
This is where things get a little confusing, so let’s clear it up.

An Annual Wellness Visit Is NOT a physical exam

  • Annual Wellness Visit: Focuses on prevention, planning and risk assessment
  • Physical exam: Involves hands-on exams, labs and diagnosing current issues

The good news? Medicare Advantage covers the Annual Wellness Visit. If you want a full physical exam, check with your health plan for any out-of-pocket costs. In other words, these are different visits, different purposes.

If you’re feeling fine, congratulations! You’re doing something right. Keep up the great work. By having your Annual Wellness Visit, you’re setting yourself up for future success.

For questions or to schedule your Annual Wellness Visit, contact your doctor or call Regal Wellness Center at (951) 491-7119, Mon. - Fri.: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. TDD/TTY users can dial 711. We have three convenient locations to serve you in Temecula, Menifee and Beaumont.

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2025),
www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/preventive-services/medicare-wellness-visits

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