Understanding Your Preventive Visit

A preventive visit is a medical check-up that is a dedicated time for providers and patients to discuss procedures, immunizations, and health screenings that you need to remain healthy. This visit is highly recommended by the American Medical Association, and preventive visit are covered by most insurers.  

Does a preventive visit include a physical? 

Yes. During your preventive visit, your provider will conduct a physical. Your examination will be similar to other ones you’ve had before and will include your medical history, an assessment of your vitals, and any routine screenings, vaccinations, or other preventive care you may need.  

When should I schedule my visit? 

We recommend that you contact your provider at the beginning of the year to schedule this visit. It’s important to start the year on the right foot with healthy habits, and an annual preventive visit with your provider can help you do that.

What’s involved in an annual preventative visit?

A preventive visit includes:  

• A complete personal and family medical history
• An assessment of your height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and other vitals based on your history
• A listing of all your current health care providers
• A head, neck, abdominal, neurological, or dermatological exam
• Routine heart health and cancer screenings
• A mental health risk assessment  
• Creating a screening checklist for the next 5 to 10 years 

A preventive visit doesn’t include:  

• Diagnostics testing
• Addressing new or worsening symptoms 

Patients will need to schedule a follow-up appointment for additional screenings if any concerns arise during the preventive exam. Please note that this follow-up appointment will not be covered as a preventive exam and be billed as a standard office visit.  

Anything discussed that isn’t part of your preventive visit will be subject to your copay, coinsurance, or deductible. These exceptions include chronic disease management, medication management, or new acute medical concerns.

If you have any questions about the annual preventive visit, including what it covers or the benefits of scheduling one, reach out to your primary care provider today or find a provider if you don’t have one.