When scheduling a visit to your doctor, it is important that you are aware of the differences between a physical and annual wellness visit. This can help save you lots of money as the annual wellness visit is actually completely free.
Both have their Benefits
The first thing that everybody needs to realize is that both a physical exam and an annual wellness visit are completely different. Although there are several similarities between the two, there are fundamental differences that separate them. An annual wellness visit is much more focused on taking preventative measures to lower risk whilst a physical is about the doctor figuring out what is wrong with you. Both have their own separate benefits for patients, an annual physical will include a physical exam, a process that involves a doctor using a variety of techniques to determine how your body is performing and to find any possible issues. A physical exam is not used in an annual wellness visit, instead, this focuses on creating a personal preventative plan.
Annual Physical
An annual physical is a yearly test that is meant to give you a good picture of your overall health. You aren’t required to be ill to be able to request an exam, this type of assessment is performed by doctors, and it involves a variety of tests. During a physical, the doctor will ask all kinds of questions about your medical and family history, what vaccinations you have received, what your current diet is like, and what exercises you do. The main purpose of a physical assessment is to check for any possible diseases that can hopefully be treated early or to find any possible ailments which may become a concern in the future.
Annual Wellness Visit
Annual wellness visits are becoming increasingly popular amongst those who are eligible for them. These assessments focus much more on keeping you healthy than trying to diagnose what is ailing you. The Chartspan Annual Wellness Visits plan is well-loved by both patient’s practices due to its cost-effective service. Patients who have been insured for twelve months or more are eligible for the assessment, and it is free for them. Providers of the annual wellness visit also manage to recoup their expenses because they are reimbursed for their efforts. The importance of an annual wellness visit is only increasing, as it can help spot possible gaps in a patient’s care and improve the overall standard of care that a patient receives.
Final Thoughts
Scheduling an annual wellness visit is not the same as a physical, it is much more focused on your overall health as opposed to trying to prevent possible issues. An annual physical is a much more extensive assessment, and it sometimes even involves blood tests or urine samples. Regardless of which you choose, both are similar because they promote good health, and ensuring you are seen regularly by your doctor can help ensure that you are healthy and fit.
