Annual Physical Exam
The difference between a physical exam and a Medicare Wellness Visit is basically the difference between your doctor focusing on what’s wrong versus on what’s right. Each is important, depending on the situation.
- When you’re sick or in pain, you want to get better. A physical exam helps your doctor figure out what the problem is and what needs to be done.
- When you’re healthy and feeling good, you want to stay that way. A wellness exam helps your doctor understand what’s working for you and how to best support your continued health and well-being.
Our doctor/nurse Practioner performs specific tasks in each of these two exams in order to achieve its purpose. See below for a chart that lists some of the services that may be covered in a physical exam versus a Medicare wellness visit, or that may be covered in both.
Physical Exam
Review your medical and family history
Take routine measurements such as for height, weight & blood pressure
Assess risk factors for preventable diseases
Perform lung, head and neck, abdominal and neurological exams
Check reflexes and vital signs
Take urine and blood samples and submit for lab testing
Medicare Wellness Visit
Review your medical and family history
Take routine measurements such as for height, weight & blood pressure
Create or update a list of medical providers and prescription drugs
Make a schedule for preventative screenings
Test for cognitive wellness
Offer personalized health advice