If you’ve ever called to book a checkup and been asked, “Do you want a wellness visit or a physical?” you’re not alone in feeling confused. These two appointments are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Knowing the difference between a wellness visit and a physical can help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you’re getting the care that’s right for your needs.
For a same-day wellness visit or physical exam, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park. Our primary care services are available for all patients and families in the Denver, CO area. Walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit is focused on prevention. It’s designed to help you stay healthy by reviewing your overall risk factors and making a plan to reduce them. During a wellness visit, your provider will typically:
- Review your medical history and lifestyle
- Update your list of medications and supplements
- Discuss age-appropriate screenings and immunizations
- Screen for mental health concerns
- Set goals related to nutrition, weight loss, exercise, or alcohol
It’s important to note that a wellness visit doesn’t usually include a hands on exam unless there’s a specific concern to address. It’s more of a consultation that helps your provider understand your baseline health and long-term risks. In most cases, Medicare and private insurance plans cover one wellness visit per year, as long as it’s purely preventive.
What Is a Physical?
A physical exam is more in-depth and includes a full-body evaluation. It may be required for employment, sports, school, pre-operative clearance, or simply as a more traditional “annual checkup.” A physical typically includes:
- Hands-on examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, reflexes, and more
- Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen level)
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Checking your eyes, ears, and throat
- Possible lab work (blood test, cholesterol, glucose, thyroid, etc.)
- Review of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma
While wellness visits focus on prevention, physicals are more focused on evaluating your current physical condition and checking for signs of illness.
Why Does The Difference Matter?
The difference between the two visits isn’t just medical– it can affect insurance and billing. A wellness visit is often covered as preventive care (depending on your plan), while a physical exam (especially one that includes bloodwork or addresses specific health concerns) might lead to additional charges or co-pays based on your carrier. At AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park, we make sure to clearly explain the difference so there are no surprises. If you’re coming in for a wellness visit but want to discuss a specific concern, let us know ahead of time so we can help you plan accordingly.
Which Visit Do You Need?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
- Choose a wellness visit if you feel healthy and just want to check in with your provider, review risk factors, and stay on top of screenings and lifestyle goals.
- Choose a physical if you’re managing a chronic condition, need a form completed (for work, school, surgery, etc.), or want a full body exam to assess your health more thoroughly
Get Primary Care Services at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park
Whether you need a wellness visit, physical, lab work, or a same-day visit for primary care, AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park has you covered. We offer both urgent care and primary care services under one roof, so it’s easy to get the right type of visit for your needs– without the long wait times. If it’s been a while since your last check-in, now is a great time to prioritize your health. Don’t wait– visit us today and let our team help you stay on top of your health needs! We accept most health insurance plans and provide cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the primary care services we provide, please call us directly at (303) 381-1100.
