What is an Annual Wellness Exam?
Written by Namuun Clifford, MSN, FNP and Mary McQuilkin, MPH, MSN, AGNP
Most people go to the doctor’s office when they are already sick, but visiting your primary care provider (PCP) when you are well can be instrumental in preventing illness and optimizing your health. The goal of preventive health care addressed by the “wellness exam” is to enhance your wellbeing through health promotion (e.g. by encouraging regular exercise) and to protect you from illness (e.g. with vaccinations).
Why is preventative care important?
Chronic diseases are responsible for the deaths of 7 out of 10 Americans. Chronic diseases are also the leading cause of disability and are responsible for 90% of the money our country spends on health care. These diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes could be prevented by changing social and environmental factors and individual behaviors.
Why do I need an annual wellness exam?
Health care is only responsible for 10% of your overall health.
What happens outside of the medical office (what you eat, how much your exercise, whether you smoke) has a much greater impact on your health. While you may not be able to overcome environmental barriers to health (such as moving to a walkable neighborhood with safe places to exercise), you have some control over many of these determinants of health. The goal of health promotion is to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to optimize your health through positive changes in the areas of individual behavior, social factors, and environmental factors.
What happens during a wellness exam?
History: To begin the visit, your PCP will ask questions about your personal and family health history, and your health-related behaviors. A detailed history helps determine what care is needed to help you stay healthy, so you will be asked many questions, some of which will cover sensitive topics including sexual behaviors to determine if you need to be screened for STIs and which type of tests you need. Please remember that anything you discuss with your PCP is confidential and will not be shared without your consent.*
Exam: Your PCP will check your weight, height, and blood pressure. A physical exam will be performed and tailored to your health history and other factors, such as checking your ears if you suffer from recurrent ear infections.
Setting health goals: The history and exam may lead to a discussion of areas you could work to improve on, such as exercising more, eating a plant-based diet, managing stress more effectively, and quitting smoking. You may also discuss family planning and which birth control method is best to meet your preferences and goals.
Preventive care: Which preventive health interventions and screenings are recommended for you is based on a combination of factors including your age, gender, family health history, personal health history, vaccination history, and other risk factors (such as whether you smoke). Vaccines to protect you from disease may be provided during the visit.
Screening tests: We will discuss screening for conditions such as anxiety, depression, colon cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Laboratory testing such as screening for diabetes or high cholesterol may be ordered. Your PCP will individualize their recommendations for you based on current data and clinical guidelines, but here is an overview to give you an idea of what to expect:
If you’re thinking, “I just want all the tests.” See this post explaining the principles of screening tests and the harms of overscreening.
How to prepare for your annual wellness exam
We recommend having the following information readily available:
- List of all current medications and dosages, including birth control and any supplements or herbal medications you take
- Names and contact information for any other members of your care team, such as a specialist who follows you for a specific chronic condition (e.g. rheumatologist who manages your lupus)
- Results from tests ordered by a provider outside of Circle Medical
- Personal medical and surgical history
- Immunization records
- Family health history
- List of questions for your PCP about preventive care or health promotion
Still not convinced? Preventive care is free!
A wellness exam once a year is covered by all health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, without a copay or coinsurance. Given the significant benefits of preventive health care, we strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this benefit. At Circle Medical, we strive to deliver high quality, evidence-based primary care which begins with prevention. Our primary care providers are ready to partner with you on your health and wellness journey!
Click here to book your annual wellness exam at Circle Medical.
Disclaimer: If you have symptoms or concerns you want to address during your annual wellness exam, you may be charged by your insurance company like you would for a regular office visit. You also may be charged if you request services that are not medically indicated based on current evidence and clinical guidelines. For more information, read this post which explains billing in detail.
