When you go see your doctor every year, are you getting an annual checkup, a physical, a wellness visit, or a well visit?
It can be confusing. The terms sound similar, but they don’t all mean the same thing.
What they have in common
All four terms are types of preventive care, which is routine care meant to keep you healthy and avoid getting sick.
Most insurance plans, including Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, and private insurance (such as coverage you get through your job or that you buy on Washington Healthplanfinder), cover preventive visits at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
The differences mainly come down to your age and the purpose of the visit.
No matter which one you’re scheduled for, these routine visits are important. They are the perfect time to make sure that you are up to date on all the recommended health screenings, tests, and immunizations. They can catch problems early, protect you from serious disease, and help you stay healthy as you get older.
Think of each visit as a chance for you and your doctor to team up, check in on where you are now, and plan for a healthy future.
Annual checkup / annual physical
- Who it’s for: Adults and children
- What it is: A full physical exam. Your doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. They also do a “head-to-toe” exam of your skin, heart, lungs, and more.Depending on your age, gender, and health history, they may also order lab work (like blood or urine samples), preventive tests (like for cholesterol or screenings for breast or colon cancer), or vaccines.
- How often: Once a year
Tips to prepare:
- Bring a list of your medications and any updates to your medical history.
- Bring your immunization records and the dates and locations for any cancer screenings you have had. That way, your doctor can get the records and avoid unnecessary procedures.
- Write down any questions or health concerns you want to talk about.
Annual wellness visit
- Who it’s for: Adults on Medicare
- What it is: A conversation between you and your primary care provider (PCP) or care team member about your overall health, risks, and future care plan. It does not include a hands-on physical exam.Note: “Annual wellness visit” (AWV) is a Medicare-specific term, but some private health insurers may use “wellness visit” to mean a standard annual physical. Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover the AWV at 100%, but a full physical exam might have a copay.
- How often: Once a year
Tips to prepare:
- Bring a list of your medications, health conditions, other doctors, and any recent hospitalizations or tests.
- Bring information about your cancer screening tests (like breast, cervical, and colon cancer screenings) if your doctor does not have this information.
- Write down your main questions and your top health goals for the next year (for example: preventing falls) so your doctor can help build a plan that fits you.
Well visit / well-child visit
- Who it’s for: Babies, children, and teens
- What it is: A visit to check that your child is growing and developing as expected. Depending on their age, your child may also get recommended vaccines to protect against diseases. These shots help keep your child healthy while also protecting others in the family and community.
- How often: The schedule for well-child visits depends on age. From birth to age 3, these visits happen more often because babies and toddlers grow so quickly. After age 3, they typically happen once a year.
Tips to prepare:
- Bring your child’s immunization records if the doctor or clinic doesn’t already have them.
- Note anything out of the ordinary you’ve noticed about your child’s speech, movement, or behavior.
- Bring any school, daycare, or sports physical forms that need a doctor’s signature.
Did you know? CHPW Apple Health members can earn gift card rewards* for completing certain preventive visits, like well-child checkups, under the ChildrenFirst™ Program.
*Limit of $200 in total rewards per year.
The bottom line
No matter which term you hear—annual checkup, physical, wellness visit, or well visit—these appointments all serve the same purpose: keeping you or your child healthy. Most insurance plans cover these visits at no additional cost.
“These big-picture visits are very important for allowing time for you and your doctor to focus on maintaining and improving your overall health,” says Dr. LuAnn C., Senior Medical Director at Community Health Plan of Washington.
If you haven’t already, call your doctor’s office or clinic about scheduling your annual preventive visit. Booking early is the best way to ensure you get an appointment time that fits your busy schedule.
Staying on top of your yearly care is one of the easiest and most powerful ways you can protect your health and support those who care about you.
Learn more
- What is a Primary Care Provider and How to Choose One
- Make a Calendar for Your Health Care
- Access to Care Goes Beyond Your Doctor’s Office
- What is Preventive Care? Why is it Important?
- 5 Preventive Health Screenings You Should Know About
- UW Medicine: Your Annual Wellness Visit