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Ambler Primary Care

Annual Wellness Visits

Annual wellness visits are an essential part of preventive care, and they serve different purposes for individuals over and under the age of 65.

The content and focus of these visits can vary based on age and health status. Here's what you can generally expect during annual wellness visits for individuals over and under 65:

  • Annual Wellness Visit for Individuals Under 65

    1.  Medical History Review: Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any chronic conditions, medications, and family medical history.
    2. Vital Signs Check: They will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.
    3. Risk Assessment: Your provider may assess your risk factors, including lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits. They might discuss topics like smoking, alcohol use, and substance abuse.
    4. Screening and Preventive Services: Your provider will discuss and recommend age-appropriate screening tests and preventive services. This may include vaccinations, cancer screenings, and sexual health discussions.
    5.  Mental Health Evaluation: For patients under 65, a mental health assessment is important. Your provider may ask about your emotional well-being, stress levels, and mood.
    6. Lifestyle Counseling: You may receive guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
    7. Setting Health Goals: Your provider will work with you to set health and wellness goals, which may include weight management, dietary changes, and smoking cessation.

  • Annual Wellness Visit for Individuals Over 65

    1. Medical History Review: Similar to those under 65, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any chronic conditions, medications, and family medical history.
    2. Vital Signs Check: They will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.
    3. Medication Review: Your provider will review your current medications and discuss any potential drug interactions or side effects.
    4. Risk Assessment: Risk factors become more important as we age. Your provider may discuss topics such as fall  prevention, memory concerns, and bone health.
    5. Screening and Preventive Services: For those over 65, screenings for conditions like osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, and cancer may be more prominent in the discussion.
    6. Mental Health Evaluation: Mental health remains a significant consideration, and your provider may ask about mood changes, depression, or anxiety.
    7. Lifestyle Counseling: While lifestyle counseling continues to be important, discussions about maintaining mobility, cognitive function, and maintaining independence are emphasized. 
    8. Advance Care Planning: For individuals over 65, there is often a focus on discussing and documenting advance care directives, such as living wills and power of attorney for healthcare decisions. 
    9. Immunizations: Your provider may review and recommend necessary immunizations, including flu shots and pneumonia vaccines, which are especially important for older adults.

In both cases, annual wellness visits serve as an opportunity to assess your overall health, establish a rapport with your healthcare provider, and create a personalized plan for maintaining or improving your well-being. The specifics of your annual wellness visit may vary depending on your healthcare provider and your individual health needs.

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