A Wellness Exam is an office visit with a provider and a patient to work collaboratively to assess the patient’s overall generalized state of health and wellbeing. The provider and the patient visit with one another in office or remotely via telehealth.

 

During the wellness visit or prior to the wellness visit, the patient completes a health risk assessment and includes social, family, medical, and surgical history. A list of medications is compiled. Vital signs are reviewed. A list of primary care providers and specialists providing care for the patient is noted. Multiple health screenings are completed, which include the following: a depression screening, functional abilities screening, and evaluation of cognitive function. Potential recommendations are made based on your age, gender, history, and risk factors which include the following: an electrocardiogram, vision exam, social services, counseling, immunizations, mammogram, pap/pelvic exam, prostate cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, diabetes self-training referral, bone mass measurements, medical nutrition therapy for renal or diabetic patients, cardiovascular screening blood test, diabetes screening test, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, HIV screening, and smoking cessation counseling. Potential advice is made such as a healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

 

An individualized summary of recommendations is developed and a copy is provided to the patient and the patient’s care team whom may include a nurse navigator and a primary care provider. When a primary care provider has not been established, a recommendation is made to establish care with a primary care provider. An annual wellness visit is recommended to maintain the continuity of care amongst patient, healthcare providers, and navigators.