Did you know you have a covered checkup each year with your primary care provider (PCP)? It’s called an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) — and it’s available at no added cost to you. This important health care visit focuses on prevention. It can help you stay healthy by checking for problems early, when they are often easier to treat. Your PCP will discuss topics like: 

• Health history

• Home safety

• Health and wellness goals

Here's how an AWV works and how to prepare for your appointment.

What is an AWV?

Your AWV is all about prevention and planning for the year ahead. You and your provider will complete a health assessment that covers your medical history, family health history and lifestyle habits. They will also take routine measurements like height, weight and blood pressure to get a clear picture of your current health. And they’ll build a personalized care plan based on your specific needs. Services may include:

• Preventive screenings. Your provider will review which age and risk-appropriate screenings you may need. These might include mammograms, bone density tests or blood work. 

• Chronic condition management. If you have ongoing health issues (like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease), your provider can help you stay on track.

• Cognitive assessment. Your provider will check for signs of memory issues or dementia.

• Mental health review. You’ll have a chance to discuss your mood, stress and other emotional health concerns.

• Substance use guidance. Substance use includes alcohol, illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Your provider may discuss these with you and offer resources or referrals if needed.

• Height, weight and blood pressure measurements. This important metrics help your PCP track your overall health.

• A personalized care plan. This care plan is created just for you to reflect your health needs and goals.

How do you prepare for an AWV?

To make the most of your AWV, make sure you come prepared. Start by making a list of all the medicines you take, including:

• Prescriptions

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

• Supplements

If it’s easier, you can even bring the prescription bottles with you. 

You should also bring a list of all the providers or specialists you see. This allows your PCP to coordinate care if needed and create a personalized care plan. 

Your AWV is also a great time to speak up for your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring up concerns. You know your body best — and your provider is there to help. Asking the right questions can help you stay healthy and feel more in control of your care. 

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Here are some smart questions to ask during your visit: 

• Am I due for any preventive screenings, like a mammogram or colonoscopy?

• Are there ways I can lower my fall risk at home?

• What changes should I make to my diet or exercise routine?

• How can I manage side effects from my medicines?

Health care can be challenging to navigate on your own. Write down your questions ahead of time so you don’t forget them during your visit. If you need help getting an appointment or getting information on a billing issue, your Member Services team can join a call with you and your doctor’s office. They are available at 1-833-570-6671 (TTY: 711) from 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. Taking an active role in your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

How is an AWV different from other appointments?

The Annual Wellness Visit is a type of checkup that many people miss — often because they think it’s the same as an annual physical. But these two visits are different, and both are important for your health. 

While the AWV is all about prevention, a yearly physical exam focuses on your current health. During that visit, your provider may check your heart, lungs and reflexes or do other hands-on exams. 

Think of the AWV and the physical as partners. The physical looks at how your body is doing now. And the AWV helps you plan for the future. Having both can give you a full picture of your health.

Stay on top of your health with preventive screenings and vaccines

Preventive care covers most health screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol and certain cancer screenings. Your plan also covers certain vaccines and immunizations such as RSV and the flu, plus preventive health services. Ask your doctor about what vaccines and screenings are good for you. 

Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information.

More way to get care

Your AWV is not the only way to get the care you need. There are other health resources available to help support you.

Healthy Home Visit (HHV). An added layer of care to help you manage your health. You can get one covered visit per year through Signify Health®. During the visit, a licensed provider will come to your home or connect with you online via telehealth. 

24-Hour Nurse Line.* Sometimes you need a quick answer to a health question. With the 24-Hour Nurse Line, you can speak to a registered nurse about a variety of health topics, whenever you need to. And you can call as many times as you need, at no added cost to you. Call 1-855-493-7019 (TTY: 711) anytime. 

*While only your doctor can diagnose, prescribe or give medical advice, the 24-Hour Nurse Line can provide information on a variety of health topics. 

Urgent care. A helpful option for a fever, nausea, fractures, stitches, rashes and other conditions that don’t require the ER. Urgent care clinics usually have a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant on staff that can often diagnose and treat patients. 

MinuteClinic. The medical clinic inside select CVS pharmacy® stores offer convenient care seven days a week — including evenings and weekends. Providers can treat common health needs and, when appropriate, write prescriptions so you can get care and medication in one place. And depending on your plan, services may be available at little or no added cost. If you don't live near a MinuteClinic location, check out other clinic options at places like Walmart, Walgreens, Costco or Sam's Club. 

Telehealth. Virtual care, also called telehealth, is a fast and convenient way to get care for cold and flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, prescription refills and more. You’re covered for telehealth visits with participating providers. Simply call your provider’s office to see if they offer virtual care then make an appointment over the phone.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Aetna and Signify Health® are part of the CVS Health® family of companies. Other providers are available in our network. Aetna, CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic, LLC (which either operates or provides certain management support services to MinuteClinic-branded walk-in clinics) are part of the CVS Health® family of companies. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health | Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website. 

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