When it comes to taking charge of your health, scheduling regular check-ups is one of the most important steps you can take. But many patients at Big Apple Medical Care ask: “What’s the difference between an annual physical and a wellness visit?”
While both visits focus on your overall health, they serve different purposes, are structured differently, and may even be covered differently by your insurance. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and avoid unexpected costs.
📍 Visit us at: 7322 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
📞 Call us: 718-333-5120
What Is an Annual Physical Exam?
An annual physical exam is a comprehensive, head-to-toe assessment of your physical health. It’s often more hands-on and diagnostic, designed to evaluate your current health status, detect early signs of illness, and manage existing medical conditions.
What’s Included in a Physical Exam:
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Vital signs check: Blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, temperature
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Physical exam: Heart and lung check, abdominal palpation, skin evaluation, neurological reflexes
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Bloodwork and lab tests: Cholesterol, glucose, complete blood count (CBC), and others as needed
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Discussion of symptoms or medical concerns
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Review of current medications
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Screenings based on age/gender: EKG, prostate exam, breast exam, etc.
Purpose:
The goal of a physical is detection and diagnosis. It helps uncover silent health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, which may not show symptoms but require treatment.
✅ Tip: An annual physical is ideal for people with chronic conditions or those seeking a complete health check-up.
What Is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit, also known as a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) or preventive health exam, is a structured conversation about your health risks and goals. It’s primarily designed for prevention and future planning—not for diagnosing or treating current illnesses.
What’s Included in a Wellness Visit:
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Health risk assessment
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Review of medical and family history
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List of current providers and medications
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Height, weight, and blood pressure check
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Cognitive impairment and mood screening
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Development of a personalized prevention plan
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Screening schedule for cancer, immunizations, and other preventive services
Purpose:
A wellness visit focuses on preventive care, helping you and your doctor plan long-term health strategies. It’s about keeping you healthy rather than treating an illness.
✅ Tip: A wellness visit is perfect for patients who feel healthy but want to stay ahead of potential health issues.
Key Differences Between Annual Physical and Wellness Visit
| Category | Annual Physical Exam | Wellness Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of conditions | Prevention and long-term health planning |
| Physical Exam | Yes – full body exam | No – minimal or no physical examination |
| Lab Tests & Blood Work | Usually included | Not included unless tied to a screening schedule |
| Discusses New Symptoms | Yes – focuses on current health concerns | No – not designed to address new or ongoing issues |
| Insurance Coverage | May have a copay or deductible | Typically free under most insurance plans |
| Time for Treatment Plan | Yes – for chronic or acute issues | Focused more on preventive goals and risk factors |
Insurance Implications You Should Know
Many patients are surprised when their “free wellness visit” turns into a billed service. Why?
Because if you bring up symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or digestion issues during a wellness visit, your provider may need to bill it as a diagnostic visit, which could involve out-of-pocket costs.
Helpful Tip:
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If you’re healthy and just need screening guidance, a wellness visit is a great option.
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If you want to address ongoing symptoms or get lab work done, book an annual physical.
✅ Still unsure which one to choose? Call us at 718-333-5120 and we’ll guide you based on your needs and insurance coverage.
Which One Do You Need—and When?
Both visits are vital for staying on top of your health, but they complement each other rather than replace one another.
Choose a Physical Exam if:
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You have chronic health conditions
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You’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms
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You want a complete evaluation with labs and exams
Choose a Wellness Visit if:
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You’re generally healthy
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You want to assess your risk factors
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You want to develop a preventive health plan
Big Apple Medical Care recommends having both as part of your yearly health routine—one for prevention, and one for diagnosis and management.
FAQs: Annual Physical vs. Wellness Visit
Can I get a physical and wellness visit at the same time?
Yes, but combining both may lead to billing for two types of services, which could involve extra charges depending on your insurance.
Are lab tests included in a wellness visit?
Typically no. Lab tests are not part of a standard wellness visit, unless they’re part of a recommended screening schedule.
Is the wellness visit covered by Medicare?
Yes, Medicare covers one wellness visit per year at no cost, as long as no new health concerns are addressed during the visit.
What if I bring up a new issue during my wellness visit?
If you discuss new symptoms or ongoing conditions, your provider may bill separately for a diagnostic service, which could result in a copay or deductible.
How can I know which visit is right for me?
Call Big Apple Medical Care at 718-333-5120. We’ll review your goals and insurance and help schedule the most appropriate visit.
Stay Proactive with Big Apple Medical Care
At Big Apple Medical Care, we believe that routine care is the key to long-term wellness. Whether you need an annual physical to check your health or a wellness visit to build a preventive strategy, our team is here to support you with personalized, family-focused care.
📍 7322 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
📞 Call Us Today: 718-333-5120
Stay informed. Stay healthy. We’re here for your family—every step of the way.
