Medically reviewed by Dr. Rajan Kohli, MD, board-certified Family Medicine — Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, Dallas.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. A consultation determines what is right for you.
If you have Medicare, one of the most valuable visits available to you each year is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit — and it is different from a routine physical. It is a dedicated, preventive-focused appointment designed to help you and your doctor build a personalized plan to stay healthy in the year ahead. At Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness in North Dallas, we welcome Medicare patients and take the time to make this visit genuinely useful, not a rushed checkbox.
What is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
The Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment covered by Medicare Part B that focuses on prevention and planning rather than treating a specific problem. Instead of a hands-on head-to-toe exam, the visit centers on reviewing your health history, your medications, your risk factors, and your goals, then creating a written prevention plan tailored to you.
What does the visit typically include?
- A review of your medical and family history, and an update to your list of current providers and medications
- Routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure
- A review of your risk factors and the preventive screenings and vaccinations that are due
- A simple check for memory or thinking concerns when appropriate
- A personalized written plan and schedule for the screenings and follow-up that make sense for you
Think of it as a yearly “big-picture” conversation about your health — what is going well, what to watch, and what to do next.
How is it different from a physical?
A traditional physical often involves a thorough hands-on examination. The Annual Wellness Visit is preventive and planning-focused. The two can complement each other, and if something comes up during your wellness visit that needs evaluation or treatment, we will discuss next steps — which may be billed separately under your plan. We are always upfront about what is covered and what is not.
Who qualifies, and how often?
If you have had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months, you are generally eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months. (New to Medicare? There is also a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit available in your first year.) Because eligibility and coverage can vary, we are happy to verify your specific plan before your appointment — just call us with your plan details.
How to get the most out of your visit
- Bring a current list of your medications, or the bottles themselves — including over-the-counter products and supplements
- Bring your insurance and Medicare cards and a photo ID
- Jot down your questions and anything that has changed since last year
- If a family member helps with your care, they are welcome to join
Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness serves patients across Dallas, East Dallas, Lake Highlands, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, and the greater DFW area. Whether you are new to Medicare or simply looking for a primary care doctor who listens, we would be glad to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit really covered?
For patients with Medicare Part B, the Annual Wellness Visit is generally covered once every 12 months when the provider accepts assignment. If additional services are needed during the visit, those may carry standard cost-sharing — we will let you know.
Do I still need a regular physical?
The wellness visit is preventive and planning-focused and does not replace a hands-on physical exam. Many patients benefit from both; we can help you decide what is appropriate.
What should I bring to my Annual Wellness Visit?
Bring your Medicare and insurance cards, a photo ID, and an up-to-date list of your medications and supplements. Writing down your questions ahead of time helps us make the visit count.
How often can I have an Annual Wellness Visit?
Generally once every 12 months after you have had Medicare Part B for more than a year. We can confirm your eligibility before scheduling.
Can a new Medicare patient schedule one?
Yes. If you are new to Medicare, ask about the one-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit in your first year, and the Annual Wellness Visit thereafter.
Ready to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit in Dallas? Request an appointment online or call us at 214-810-4331. New Medicare patients are welcome.
