What it is — and what it isn't
The annual wellness visit is a yearly check-in with your provider that Medicare Part B covers in full — no deductible, no copay. It is not a head-to-toe physical exam. Think of it as a planning conversation: together you and your provider build or update a personalized prevention plan for the year ahead.
Your first one is called the "Welcome to Medicare" visit and works best within the first 12 months of enrolling. After that, you're eligible for an annual wellness visit every 12 months.
What happens at the visit
A typical visit includes a review of your health history and your family's health history, a check of height, weight, and blood pressure, and a simple assessment of your risk factors.
Your provider will also review every medication and supplement you take, do a brief cognitive assessment, and map out the screenings, shots, and lab work you're due for over the next year — mammograms, colon cancer screening, bone density, vaccines, and more.
What to bring
Bring three things: a complete list of everything you take — prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements; any medical records from other doctors you've seen during the year; and a written list of questions or concerns, even small ones. Questions you've been putting off are exactly what this visit is for.
Don't forget your Medicare card.
Why most people skip it — and shouldn't
Most people who skip it simply assume a "wellness visit" means a full physical and decide they don't need one. But the visit's real value is catching problems early — high blood pressure, rising blood sugar, memory changes, medication interactions — while they're still easy to manage.
It also keeps your screening schedule on track, so nothing important slips through the cracks between sick visits. And because it's fully covered preventive care, there's no out-of-pocket cost when you see a Medicare-participating provider.
How Affordable Care Clinics can help
Affordable Care Clinics offers annual wellness visits for Medicare patients at both locations — Palm Bay in Brevard County and Orlando in Orange County. If you're managing several chronic conditions, ask how our Chronic Care Management and Remote Patient Monitoring programs extend that same watchfulness between visits.
Walk in or call to schedule — our team will verify your coverage and get you on the calendar.
Trusted sources
- Preventive visit & yearly wellness exams — Medicare.gov
Ready to schedule your wellness visit?
We offer Medicare annual wellness visits at both locations — Palm Bay (Brevard County) and Orlando (Orange County).
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