Keeping on top of your health doesn’t have to be cumbersome—but it does take commitment. One of the best things you can do is to plan your Annual Wellness Exam checklist. This annual visit to your health care provider can help identify things before they become problems, and help you stay on track with your health goals.
If it’s been a while since you last took a class, or you’re just curious about what to expect, you’ve come to the right place. Here is your complete checklist for what to plan, what to expect and what to know at this important appointment.
What Is Annual Wellness Exam?
Annual Wellness Exam: An Annual Wellness Exam is a preventive visit (covered once per year as it is to help prevent disease and sickness) designed to create or update your personalized approach to prevent disease and keep you healthy. Unlike a physical (which can involve manual checks), the wellness exam is more of a conversation about your medical history, lifestyle and risk factors and what tests are recommended.
It’s primarily used to:
- Assess how you are feeling now.
- Recognize risks for potential health concerns
- Refresh medical and family history
- Develop a path for preventive care
Consider it your personalized guide to better health, tailored to your body and your goals.
The Complete Annual Wellness Exam Checklist
Here’s what you need to do to get ready for your appointment, plus what to expect at the visit:
✅ Before Your Appointment
1. Before Your Appointment
- Previous diagnoses
- Operations or admissions to the hospital
- Chronic conditions
- Family health history (particularly related to conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer)
2. List of Your Medications
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter meds
- Vitamins and supplements
- Dosage and frequency
3. Track Symptoms or Concerns
- Any recent health changes
- Persistent discomfort, fatigue or other symptoms
- Mental health concerns
4. Lifestyle Snapshot
- Diet habits
- Exercise routine
- Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- Sleep patterns
5. Vaccination Records
- Note any recent vaccines
- Get ready to adjust based on age and health condition
6. Insurance and ID
- Bring your insurance card
- A photo ID may be required
✅ During the Appointment
1. Health Risk Assessment
Your provider may inquire about physical activity, nutrition and mental health, and about any danger you may face at home (especially for older adults).
2. Vital Signs & Measurements
- Blood pressure
- Weight and height
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
3. Review of Medications
Your provider will consider interactions or recommend alterations according to your existing health.
4. Screenings for Cognitive Status and Depression
Particularly for those 65 and older, or those with a family history of mental health concerns.
5. Discussion of Preventive Screenings
You might be sent for labs or screenings including:
- Blood test (cholesterol, glucose, and so forth)
- Cancer screening (mammography, colonoscopy)
- Bone density scans • Vision or hearing tests
6. Personalized Health Plan
You’ll walk away with a strategy customized to your age, your lifestyle and risk factors. This may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Immunizations
- Future screenings
- Health goals
Annual Wellness Exams Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an annual wellness exam the same as a physical?
A: Not exactly. A physical typically involves hands-on physical checks, while a wellness exam emphasizes prevention, planning, and discussion. Some may combine the two but always call to check in advance.
Q: Will insurance pay for it?
A: One Annual Wellness Visit per year is included in most insurance plans, including Medicare, at no charge. But if more tests are ordered, you may receive two different bills.
Q: Is fasting or any special type of preparation required?
A: Typically, no, unless your provider has ordered lab work that calls for fasting. Ask your clinic in advance to double check.
Q: Can I be accompanied by a family member?
A: Absolutely. And there’s often some benefit to having someone to help guide you or to pick up on key takeaways.
Q: At what age should I begin getting annual wellness exams?
A: All ages will benefit from it, but it becomes particularly important in your 20s and up and, even more so, as you approach middle age and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Your health is your most asset, and the Annual Wellness Exam is your chance to safeguard it. It’s more than a checkup — it’s a health plan. With the list above, you are ready to truly enjoy your stay. Don’t put it off—get your check-up and take control of your health!