At FirstPointMD, located at 271 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 1002, Floral Park, NY, we believe in keeping our community informed. Understanding the difference between an annual physical and a wellness visit is crucial to making the most of your healthcare benefits. Though often used interchangeably, these two appointments serve distinct purposes in preventive health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll clarify the differences and help you determine which is right for your needs.
What Is an Annual Physical Exam?
An annual physical exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health. It is typically performed by a primary care physician to assess your current health status and detect any signs of potential health issues before they become serious.
Key Components of an Annual Physical:
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Vital Signs Check – Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiration rate.
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Physical Examination – Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of various body systems.
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Medical History Review – Discussion of personal and family history, current medications, allergies, and previous illnesses.
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Laboratory Tests – Blood tests, urinalysis, cholesterol levels, glucose checks, etc.
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Screenings – Based on age and risk factors: cancer screenings, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
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Immunizations – Updates as necessary.
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Referrals – To specialists for further evaluation if needed.
The goal of a physical exam is to ensure all bodily systems are functioning optimally, detect early signs of disease, and establish a health baseline for future comparison.
What Is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit is preventive and proactive. It’s designed primarily to develop or update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. Covered under most insurance plans, especially Medicare, it focuses less on physical examination and more on health promotion and disease prevention.
Key Components of a Wellness Visit:
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Health Risk Assessment – Questionnaires evaluating lifestyle, habits, and health risks.
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Review of Medical and Family History
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List of Current Providers and Prescriptions
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Measurements – Height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
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Screening Schedule – Discussion of age-appropriate screenings and immunizations.
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Cognitive Function Assessment
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Advanced Care Planning – If appropriate, discussing future care preferences and directives.
Unlike an annual physical, a wellness visit typically does not include a hands-on physical exam or diagnostic tests unless deemed necessary during the appointment.
Annual Physical vs. Wellness Visit: Key Differences
| Feature | Annual Physical | Wellness Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Evaluate overall health and detect issues | Develop personalized prevention plan |
| Physical Exam | Full hands-on examination | Not routinely included |
| Lab Tests | Often included | Usually not included |
| Covered by Insurance | Sometimes fully or partially | Fully covered by most plans including Medicare |
| Time Required | 30-60 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
| Frequency | Annually | Annually (for those eligible) |
| Focus | Current health and potential disease | Future health and prevention |
Which Visit Do You Need?
Both visits are important, but the one you should choose depends on your current health status, insurance coverage, and healthcare goals.
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Choose an Annual Physical if:
You want a thorough evaluation, blood work, and screenings to detect potential health issues early. -
Choose a Wellness Visit if:
You’re focused on maintaining your health, staying updated with immunizations, and developing a long-term prevention plan.
At FirstPointMD, our experienced primary care providers help patients navigate both types of visits with clarity and compassion.
Why Preventive Care Matters
According to the CDC, preventive care can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths in the U.S., but early detection and preventive steps can significantly improve outcomes and reduce costs.
Benefits of Preventive Care:
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Early Diagnosis – Catching health conditions early leads to better management.
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Reduced Healthcare Costs – Prevention is less expensive than treatment.
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Improved Quality of Life – Stay active, healthy, and engaged longer.
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Peace of Mind – Know where you stand and what steps to take next.
Insurance and Billing: Are Both Visits Covered?
One of the biggest sources of confusion is insurance coverage. While Medicare and most private insurers fully cover wellness visits, annual physicals may not be completely covered, depending on your plan.
Important Considerations:
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Preventive = Covered: A wellness visit with no symptoms or follow-ups is often fully covered.
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Diagnostic = Costs Apply: If a wellness visit uncovers symptoms requiring further testing or treatment, it may shift into a diagnostic visit and incur additional charges.
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Physicals May Require Copay: Especially if lab work or imaging is included.
It’s always advisable to check with your insurance provider or call our billing team at 718-608-6182 before your visit.
How FirstPointMD Makes It Easy
At FirstPointMD, we simplify the process for patients by offering:
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Flexible Appointments
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Same-day or Next-day Visits
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Bilingual Staff
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Clear Explanation of Costs
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Integrated Lab Services
Whether you’re coming in for a wellness visit or a comprehensive annual physical, we’re here to support your journey toward long-term health.
FAQs
Can I schedule both an annual physical and a wellness visit?
Yes, but most insurers only cover one fully per year. It’s important to discuss your needs with your provider to determine which visit best suits your health goals.
Is blood work included in a wellness visit?
Typically, no. Blood work is generally part of an annual physical. However, if risk factors are found during the wellness visit, tests may be ordered separately.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Bring a list of current medications, any symptoms you’ve noticed, your insurance card, and your vaccination history. Fasting may be required for blood work—check with your provider.
Can a wellness visit detect diseases?
While its primary focus is on prevention, risk assessments during a wellness visit can indicate the need for further evaluation or testing.
Is there a cost for these visits?
Wellness visits are generally free under Medicare and many insurance plans. Annual physicals may include costs depending on the extent of testing or procedures performed.
What’s the best time to schedule an annual physical?
Any time of year is fine, but many people choose to align it with their birthday or the start of the year to stay consistent annually.
Can I get vaccines during either visit?
Yes. Both visits allow time for recommended vaccines or boosters, depending on your age, history, and health conditions.
Book Your Appointment with FirstPointMD Today
Whether you’re overdue for a physical or looking to stay proactive with a wellness visit, FirstPointMD is here for you. Our caring team provides comprehensive, personalized care at every stage of life. Call us now at 718-608-6182 or visit our website at firstpointmd.com to schedule your appointment.
We’re located at:
271 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 1002, Floral Park, NY