Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)

Preventive Care

Think of the AWV as your yearly prevention “strategy session.” It updates your risk profile and keeps your plan current.

Review new diagnoses, meds, and daily function changes.
Update screening schedule (colon, lung, AAA, etc.).
Discuss fall risk, memory concerns, mood, and safety habits.
Ask what one change would most improve your risk this year.

A smiling older patient is talking with a smiling doctor holding a clipboard.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B covers a yearly “Wellness” visit to create or update your personalized prevention plan. This isn’t a routine physical exam.

Covered once every 12 months if you’re eligible.
You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment; extra tests/services during the same visit may change costs.

Key takeaways

AWV = prevention plan update, not a routine physical.
Keep a running list of questions and bring it.
Ask what screenings and vaccines you’re due for this year.

Good to Know

Provider Accepts Assignment

In Original Medicare, “accepts assignment” means a provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount as full payment (with you paying any required deductible/coinsurance). For many preventive services, using a provider who accepts assignment can help keep your costs lower and more predictable.

Frequency Limits

Many Medicare preventive services have frequency limits, meaning Medicare covers them only as often as allowed (for example, once every 12 months, once every five years, or once in your lifetime). The schedule varies by service.

Eligibility Rules

Many preventive services are covered only if you meet Medicare’s eligibility rules. These rules can include your age, risk factors, medical history, lab results, diagnoses, or timing (for example, being “at risk” for a screening).

Medicare Advantage can add approvals, networks, and referrals

Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they often add network rules, prior authorization, and sometimes referral requirements. These rules can affect where you can go for tests, specialists, rehab, home health, and certain procedures.