Full Definition

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit differs from a routine physical exam (which is not a standard Medicare benefit). The AWV is focused on prevention and planning: identifying risk factors, screening for conditions that respond to early intervention, reviewing medications, assessing fall risk, and developing an individualized prevention plan.

The AWV includes a cognitive assessment, which provides an opportunity to identify early cognitive impairment before it becomes a safety concern. If the physician identifies cognitive concerns at the AWV, they can initiate further evaluation and referrals.

For seniors and families planning for future care needs, the AWV is also an opportunity to discuss advance care planning — completing advance directives, designating a healthcare proxy, and documenting treatment preferences. Medicare covers separate advance care planning counseling as a distinct benefit that can be billed at the AWV or independently.