What is an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)?
An Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly appointment provided by a healthcare provider to assess and plan for a patient's health needs. Unlike a routine physical exam, an AWV focuses on prevention and planning rather than diagnosing or treating acute conditions
Key Services
Health Risk Assessment
The visit typically begins with a comprehensive health risk assessment, which includes a review of the patient's medical history, lifestyle factors, and any current health concerns.
Review of Medical and Family History
The healthcare provider reviews the patient’s medical and family history to identify any potential risks or conditions that may require attention.
Cognitive and Functional Assessments
In long-term care settings, it’s important to assess cognitive and functional abilities to address any changes in the patient’s health status and adapt the care plan accordingly.
Personalized Prevention Plan
Based on the assessment, a personalized prevention plan is developed. This plan includes recommendations for screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle changes.
Medications Review
A review of current medications is conducted to assess their effectiveness and identify any potential issues such as interactions or side effects.
Advance Care Planning
Discussions about advance directives and end-of-life care preferences may be part of the visit, helping to ensure that the patient’s wishes are documented and known.
Benefits of AWVs in Long-Term Care
Improved Health Outcomes
Regular AWVs can lead to improved health outcomes by addressing potential health issues before they become severe
Coordination of Care
AWVs help ensure that all aspects of a patient's care are coordinated and that any necessary referrals or
follow-ups are arranged
Patient Engagement
By involving patients in their own health care planning, AWVs can increase their engagement and adherence to health recommendations
Family and Caregiver Involvement
Involving family members or caregivers in the AWV process can provide additional support and insight into the patient’s health and needs