Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

We're making it easier to stay healthy.

If you have traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’re eligible for one Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months at no cost to you.

At Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, all of these specialized wellness visits will now be conducted by our dedicated team of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Why a dedicated wellness team?

Our skilled advanced practitioners are specially trained to focus on preventive care and wellness planning. This means you get:

  • More time for your health. A full hour to discuss your health needs without feeling rushed.
  • Expert preventive care. Specialized focus on identifying health risks early and creating personalized wellness plans.
  • Complete coordination. Your wellness information is shared with your primary care provider for more focused appointments.
  • Greater convenience. Complete your visit virtually from home. Family members are welcome to join.
  • Continued comprehensive care. You’ll still see your primary care provider for physical exams, managing conditions and treating new problems.

What's included in your annual wellness visit?

During your visit, your provider will do the following, and your primary care provider will review this information and discuss it at your next appointment.

  • Screen for depression, anxiety, memory and safety concerns
  • Review your medications and supplements (prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins and gummies)
  • Discuss your medical, surgical and family history
  • Talk about lifestyle habits like your diet, exercise and any recent falls or changes in activity
  • Discuss advance care planning, including living wills or your healthcare representative
  • Set up a schedule for appropriate screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies or vaccines
  • Ensure all your healthcare providers are in your medical record
  • Create or update your personalized prevention plan

Understanding the Difference

Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

  • Also called: AWV
  • Who it’s for: Patients with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage
  • How it’s done: Virtually or in-person
  • Who does it: An advanced practitioner on your care team
  • Why it’s done: To create or update a personalized plan that supports your long-term health and well-being
  • What to expect: This is simply a conversation about your overall wellness, not a hands-on exam. It focuses on mood, memory and lifestyle habits to help keep you healthy and safe.

Preventive Exam

  • Also called: Physical exam, wellness exam, or annual exam
  • Who it’s for: Patients with commercial insurance or Medicare Advantage
  • How it’s done: In-person
  • Who does it: Your primary care provider
  • Why it’s done: To check your overall health, look for early signs of disease and help prevent future illnesses
  • What to expect: This is a hands-on exam and helps your provider understand your personal and family health history. It focuses on keeping you healthy, not treating current problems or following up on past issues.

Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit

Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call Us: 877.707.4442

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hartford HealthCare Medical Group making this change?

Our dedicated team specializes in Annual Wellness Visits and preventive care. They can spend a full hour with you, giving you more time without feeling rushed. This allows your primary care provider to focus on managing your health conditions and treating new problems.

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Can I still see my primary care provider for my Annual Wellness Visit?

All Annual Wellness Visits will now be conducted by our team of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. You’ll continue to see your primary care provider for all other care, including physical exams and managing health conditions. Your provider will review and discuss your wellness visit information at your next appointment.

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Who will be doing my Annual Wellness Visit?

A nurse practitioner or physician assistant on your care team. These providers are specially trained in preventive care and work closely with your primary care provider.

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Will my primary care provider know what happens during my visit?

Yes. All information is shared with your primary care provider to make your next appointment more personalized.

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What's the difference between an Annual Wellness Visit and a physical exam?

An Annual Wellness Visit is a conversation about your overall wellness, focusing on mood, memory and lifestyle habits. It does not include a hands-on exam and does not treat current health problems. A physical exam is a hands-on visit with your primary care provider that includes a complete examination.

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What happens during my Annual Wellness Visit?

Your provider will create a personalized wellness plan and:

  • Screen for depression, anxiety, memory, and safety concerns
  • Review your medications and supplements
  • Discuss your medical history and lifestyle habits
  • Discuss advance care planning
  • Set up a schedule for appropriate screenings
  • Ensure all your healthcare providers are listed in your medical record
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How long does the visit take?

One full hour.

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Do I have to come to the office?

No. Most visits are completed virtually by video or phone from home. Family members are welcome to join. In-person visits are also available.

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Is there a cost?

No. This visit is covered at no cost to you once every 12 months.

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I already had my physical exam this year. Do I still need an Annual Wellness Visit?

Yes. An Annual Wellness Visit does not replace your physical exam. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may receive both each year.

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Can I bring a family member?

Yes. Adult family members are welcome to join, whether virtually or in-person.

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What if I have a health problem that needs attention?

Annual Wellness Visits focus on prevention and do not treat current health problems. Please schedule a separate appointment with your primary care provider for health concerns.

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How do I schedule?

Call 877.707.4442.

 
Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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