At IMA Medical Group, we believe in proactive, preventive care, especially for our senior patients. Many people are familiar with an annual physical, but Medicare offers something even more powerful: the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

Often misunderstood, the AWV is much more than a routine check-up. It’s a strategic, personalized visit designed to help you stay healthy, independent, and informed. And it comes at no cost to Medicare Advantage patients.

What Is an Annual Wellness Visit?

Unlike a traditional physical that focuses on hands-on exams and lab tests, the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a forward-looking conversation with your primary care provider. The goal is to create or update your Personalized Prevention Plan based on your current health, lifestyle, and risk factors.

Here’s what you can expect during your AWV at IMA Medical Group:

1. Health Risk Assessment

You’ll complete a questionnaire covering your health status, medical history, family history, lifestyle habits, and health concerns. This helps identify your unique risk factors.

2. Medical & Family History Review

Your primary care provider will review past conditions, surgeries, and family health patterns to better understand long-term risks.

3. Medication Review

This step is essential. You’ll go over all prescription medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products to ensure safety and avoid harmful interactions.

4. Cognitive Function Screening

A brief assessment helps detect early signs of memory loss or cognitive changes. Early detection allows for better long-term management.

5. Functional Ability & Safety Assessment

This includes checking your risk of falling, reviewing your ability to perform daily tasks, and discussing home safety.

6. Preventive Screening Schedule

Your provider will recommend the correct schedule for screenings based on your age, gender, and risk factors, such as mammograms, bone density tests, colonoscopies, and vaccinations.

7. Personalized Prevention Plan

This is the heart of the visit. You’ll receive a tailored plan outlining preventive services, screenings, lifestyle recommendations, and any necessary specialist referrals to keep you healthy throughout the year.

Why Your Annual Wellness Visit Matters

It’s Proactive, Not Reactive

The AWV focuses on preventing health problems before they start or catching them early when they’re easier to treat.

It’s Personalized Just for You

Every AWV is tailored to your health history, lifestyle, risks, and goals.

It Helps Manage Chronic Conditions

If you live with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or other chronic conditions, the AWV ensures your care plan is up-to-date and effective.

It Strengthens Your Relationship with Your Provider

Regular wellness visits allow your IMA primary care provider to get to know you better and support you through every step of your health journey.

How to Prepare for Your Annual Wellness Visit

To make the most of your AWV:

1. Bring a list of all your medications, including doses and supplements.
2. Bring the names of your specialists or other doctors you see.
3. Come with questions or concerns about your health.
4. Be open and honest. The more we know, the better we can tailor your prevention plan.
5. Remember: This is not a traditional physical and typically does not include lab work or a full exam. If you need a physical or have new symptoms, those would be addressed in a separate visit.

Take Advantage of This No-Cost Medicare Benefit

Your Annual Wellness Visit is a powerful tool to help you stay healthy, active, and independent. At IMA Medical Group, our senior-focused primary care team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit?

Call your local IMA Medical Group clinic today and book your Annual Wellness Visit. 

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