What is an Annual Wellness Visit?

The answer might surprise you. If you’re only seeing your health care provider when you’re sick, you may be missing out on an important opportunity to take charge of your health and stay healthier in the long run.

Why is it Important?

A physical exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your current health. It may include lab tests and a head-to-toe exam to diagnose and treat current health concerns. Conversely, a wellness visit focuses on prevention and long-term health planning.

“A wellness visit doesn’t replace an annual physical. Instead, it’s an opportunity to review your health history with your physician, discuss screenings and other preventive procedures you’ve had or might need, and talk about health issues that we don’t typically cover during an annual physical,” said Gerald Muncy, M.D., a family medicine physician with Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Group.    

Dr. Muncy describes a wellness visit as a proactive session with your physician to make sure you’re doing what you can to stay as healthy as possible.

From the information gathered at your wellness visit, your health care provider will create or update a personalized prevention plan for you based on your current health and risk factors. They’ll also develop or update a schedule for screenings you’ll need over the next five to 10 years, with the goal of reducing your risk of disease and disability.

The recommended screenings could include:

• Colonoscopy
• Pap smear
• Vision and hearing test
• Mammography
• Bone density test
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
• Screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure
• Vaccinations

What Can I Expect at My Annual Wellness Visit?

You can expect your health care provider to:

• Review your medical and social history related to your health.
• Give you information about preventive services, including certain screenings, shots or vaccines (like flu, pneumococcal and other recommended immunizations).
• Take height, weight and blood pressure measurements.
• Give you referrals for other care as needed.
• Calculate your body mass index (BMI).
• Give you a simple vision test.
• Review your potential risk for depression.
• Offer to talk with you about creating advance directives.
• Create or update a written plan (like a checklist) letting you know what screenings, shots and other preventive services you may need. 

“Annual wellness visits were introduced to increase utilization and implementation of preventive care,” said Muncy. “Preventive care helps you stay healthier and can often catch problems early, before they become serious or require more complex treatment. That’s why preventive care is strongly encouraged for all our patients.”» QCBN

By Joanne Mack Robertson

For more information about Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center and its wide array of services, visit yrmc.org.

Courtey Photo: Gerald Muncy, M.D.