Wellness Physicals

Full Wellness Physicals. Paid Fully by Medicare

If you are on Medicare, you can have yearly wellness physicals or “annual wellness visits" (AMV) to create or update an illness prevention plan. General physicals are different from annual wellness visits for Medicare patients, and AMV does not replace the value provided by a head-to-toe physical exam. Annual wellness visits are covered under Medicare Part B benefits. Your physician will do a wellness check and develop a healthcare plan tailored to your unique needs.

You don’t need a referral from a primary doctor to get wellness physicals at AFC Ladera Ranch. No appointment is required either. Just walk right in at a time that’s convenient for you. Our clinics have extended morning, evening, and weekend hours.

What Is A Medicare Wellness Physical?

A Medicare Wellness Physical is a personalized prevention plan designed to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors. Your provider will ask you to fill out a “Health Risk Assessment” questionnaire as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you and your AFC Ladera Ranch provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit.

What Is Covered Under a Medicare Wellness Physical?

Under Medicare Part B, you are covered for an annual wellness visit/physical once per year, and you will not have to provide a copayment unless additional tests are required that are not covered by Medicare. We will be happy to help you better understand your eligible benefits.

Your Medicare wellness physical will follow a specific set of steps approved by Medicare. As a “wellness” exam, the primary purpose of your physical is to prevent future medical issues by identifying risk factors and warning signs.

Medicare-approved wellness visits include:

• Review and update medical and family history
• Review and update a list of current providers
• Measure height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and other routine measurements
• Assess for any possible cognitive impairment
• Review potential risk factors for depression, including current or past experiences with depression or other mood disorders (first Annual Wellness Visit only)
• Review functional ability and level of safety (first Annual Wellness Visit only)
• Establish or update a written screening schedule for the individual for the next 5-10 years, based on health status, screening history, and age
• Prepare a list of risk factors and conditions for which interventions are recommended or are underway for the individual and a list of treatment options and their associated risks and benefits
• Provide health advice and a referral, as appropriate, to health education or preventive counseling services or programs designed to reduce risk factors, such as for weight loss, smoking cessation, fall prevention, and nutrition.
• Review of the responses to the Health Risk Assessment

AFC FAQs About Medicare Wellness Physicals

Who Is Eligible For A Medicare Wellness Physical?

Any Medicare beneficiary who:

• Has been receiving Medicare Part B benefits for at least 12 months, AND
• Has not had an initial preventive physical examination (the “Welcome to Medicare” exam) or an Annual Wellness Visit within the past 12 months.

How Often Will Medicare Pay For An Annual Wellness Visit?

Medicare will pay for an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. Be sure to see a provider who accepts Medicare Part B, like AFC Ladera Ranch.

Are There Any Deductibles Or Co-Payments For The Visit?

No. The Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance payments do not apply to the Annual Wellness Visit. Be sure to see a provider who accepts Medicare Part B, like AFC Ladera Ranch.

Who Can Perform An Annual Wellness Visit?

An Annual Wellness Visit may be performed by a doctor or other practitioner recognized by Medicare, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, or other health professional, or a team of such medical professionals who are working under the direct supervision of a physician. Your AFC Ladera Ranch providers accept Medicare Part B and can perform your Annual Wellness Visit.