Do I Need A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

If you have Medicare Part B, you may qualify for a free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit at Grady.

This visit gives you time to talk with your primary care doctor about your overall health. Together, you can review your medical history, discuss any health concerns, and make a plan to help you stay healthy.

It’s Free with Medicare Part B

You pay nothing for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit if:

• You have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months.
• You have not had a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit in the last 12 months.

There is no copay and no Part B deductible for this visit.

What Happens During the Visit?

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is not the same as an annual physical.

Instead, you and your doctor talk about your health and ways to prevent future problems. During the visit, your doctor may:

• Review your health history.
• Talk about your medicines.
• Check if you need vaccines or health screenings.
• Discuss blood tests or other health tests.
• Talk about your mental and emotional health.
• Create a personalized plan to help you stay healthy.

At the end of the visit, you will receive a written checklist that shows when to schedule future screenings, vaccines, and other preventive care.

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

Your doctor may ask questions like:

• Have you noticed changes in your memory, hearing, or vision?
• Are you up to date on your vaccines and screenings?
• Have you fallen or do you worry about falling?
• How have you been feeling emotionally?
• Do you prepare your own meals?
• Do you need help bathing or getting dressed?
• Are you eating healthy foods and staying active?
• Who lives with you?
• Do you have an advance care plan?

These questions help your doctor understand your health and recommend the care that’s right for you.

How to Prepare

Before your visit, bring:

• A list of all your medicines, including vitamins and supplements.
• A list of the doctors or specialists you see.
• Any questions or health concerns you want to discuss.
• Notes about changes you’ve noticed in your health over the past year.

Why Get a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

Many people only visit the doctor when they feel sick. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit helps you stay healthy before problems begin.

You and your doctor can talk about what matters most to you, find health risks early, and create a plan that fits your needs.

Schedule Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

If you have Medicare Part B and need a primary care doctor, Grady is here to help. Schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness online at gradyhealth.org, through MyChart, or call (404) 616-1000. Our primary care team can help you stay healthy and connect you with Grady’s specialists whenever you need expert care.

Continue Your Health Journey

Want to learn more about staying healthy? Visit Grady’s Health Library for trusted, physician-reviewed information on symptoms, diseases, preventive care, medications, wellness, and more. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or looking for healthy lifestyle tips, you’ll find reliable resources to help you make informed decisions about your health.