At Innovative Care Medicine, we believe prevention is the best medicine. For Medicare beneficiaries, one of the most valuable benefits is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Unlike a traditional physical exam, the AWV is designed to help you and your provider create a personalized plan to keep you healthy, independent, and active for years to come.
What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The Medicare AWV is a yearly appointment focused on preventive care. Instead of diagnosing or treating specific conditions, it emphasizes assessing your current health, identifying risks, and planning strategies to maintain or improve your wellness.
During your visit, your provider will:
- Review your medical and family history
- Update your medication list
- Take basic measurements (height, weight, blood pressure)
- Perform a cognitive and functional assessment
- Screen for depression and fall risk
- Review your vaccination status and preventive screenings
- Provide a personalized health plan for the coming year
Why Are Annual Wellness Visits Important?
- Early Detection – Identifies risks before they develop into serious conditions.
- Preventive Care – Keeps you up-to-date with vaccines and screenings.
- Personalized Planning – Provides tailored recommendations for diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
- Better Outcomes – Patients who attend AWVs are more likely to avoid hospitalizations and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit the same as a physical exam?
A: No. The AWV does not include blood work, imaging, or treatment of acute issues. Instead, it is a preventive service focused on long-term health planning.
Q: How much does the AWV cost?
A: If you have Medicare Part B and the provider accepts assignment, the visit is covered 100% with no cost to you.
Q: Who is eligible for an AWV?
A: Anyone who has been enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months. Your first visit is called the “Initial Annual Wellness Visit,” followed by yearly “Subsequent AWVs.”
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Bring:
- A list of current medications (prescriptions, supplements, vitamins)
- Information about your medical and family history
- Any records of vaccinations or screenings done elsewhere
Q: How does this visit help me in the long run?
A: The AWV creates a living document—your personal preventive care plan—that helps you and your healthcare team track your health year after year.
Take Charge of Your Health
Scheduling your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a simple step with lifelong benefits. At Innovative Care Medicine, we are dedicated to helping you age with strength, energy, and confidence.
📍 Our Locations
- Corona Location
818 Magnolia Ave., Ste. #201
Corona, CA - Riverside Location
9493 Garfield St.
Riverside, CA
📞 Call us today at (951) 356-9992
🌐 Visit us at innovativecaremed.com