Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Annual Wellness Exam

A Key Part of Prevention

An annual wellness exam is focused on preventive care. The goal of this is to prevent disease before it happens, and the wellness exam can be very helpful in determining how to accomplish this. Depending on each person’s age and risk factors, this may include testing, such as lab work; discussing cancer screening like mammograms and colonoscopies; and following vaccination schedules. Another important component of a wellness exam and preventive care is discussing lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity and mental health because these all contribute to your overall health.

No Preparation Needed

The good news is that there isn’t much you have to do to prepare for a wellness exam. Your doctor should have several different topics that they want to discuss with you. However, it can be helpful to think about some goals for your health you would like to discuss, whether that’s making changes to how you’re eating, drinking more water or incorporating exercise a certain number of times per week. You may want to come prepared with any questions regarding your health or ask about different resources or screening recommendations that might be appropriate for you. While you don’t need to do any studying for this exam, your doctor might ask you to come to the appointment fasting so they can complete blood work at the same time. 

Covered By Insurance

Everyone is eligible for a wellness exam. Babies and toddlers have their own schedule for well visits, which are more frequent, but children and adults ages three and up should have a wellness exam on a yearly basis. This exam is covered by insurance and completed separately from other chronic condition follow-up visits so that you and your doctor can discuss all of those preventive care measures.

An annual wellness exam is a great chance to review everything that’s been going on with your health in the past year, but more importantly, to make sure you stay healthy and well.

Caitlin Rogers, DO, is a primary care physician with BJC Medical Group and has an office on the campus of Progress West Hospital. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Rogers by calling 636.928.WELL.