Your healthcare provider designs your annual wellness to fit your specific health needs each year. Whether you see your primary care provider multiple times a year or just once, these visits ensure you maintain your health. As your needs and your lifestyle habits change, your annual wellness visit is a great opportunity to make new health goals for the future.
Brittany Sullivan, MD, Family Medicine at St. Elizabeth Burlington Primary Care says, “We want to keep our patients healthy and prevent the diseases before they happen. Your annual wellness visits are very important for the preventative side of medicine.”
During your annual wellness visit, your provider will:
- Assess for signs of depression.
- Give any needed and recommended immunizations.
- Offer personalized health advice.
- Order any necessary blood tests.
- Plan for upcoming health screenings.
- Review your family health history.
- Screen for any cognitive impairment.
- Talk with you about your health goals.
- Update your medication and allergy list.
Heidi Sharp, MD, Family Medicine at St. Elizabeth Cold Spring Primary Care explains why having an annual conversation about your health is important, “If there is something new family history wise, maybe your mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50, then I need to know because that can have an impact on you.”
Establishing a Relationship with Your Provider
Your annual wellness visit is the foundation for building a solid relationship with your provider. It’s an opportunity to discuss your current and future health goals. This partnership can help you reach your short- and long-term health targets. And your provider will support and guide you every step of the way.
Gina Grove, MD, Family Medicine at St. Elizabeth Hebron Primary Care says, “When we go over your health goals for the next year, we may want to bring you back sooner to help you reach those goals.”
Care Coordination Through Wellness Visits
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider helps build trust and gives them a chance to get to know you. This understanding allows them to tailor your healthcare to meet your specific needs. Providers play a key role in coordinating additional care, whether referring you to experts, scheduling tests or working with you on preventive health screenings. They also provide follow-up care after hospitalizations, ensuring a seamless transition to routine care. Your provider is your dedicated partner in improving and maintaining your health.
Accessibility of Annual Wellness Visits
All insurance plans cover annual wellness visits thanks to the Affordable Care Act. If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’re eligible for a Medicare wellness exam with no copay.
Scheduling your annual wellness visit today is easy with St. Elizabeth Physicians Primary Care.