Name of the Procedure:

Annual Wellness Visit; Includes a Personalized Prevention Plan of Service (PPS), Initial Visit (G0438)

• Common Name: Annual Wellness Visit
• Technical/Medical Term: G0438 Initial Annual Wellness Visit

Summary

An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a preventive health service covered by Medicare for individuals aged 65 and older. It includes a comprehensive review of your health status and development of a personalized prevention plan to keep you healthy. This visit is not a physical exam, but rather focuses on health management, prevention, and planning.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed:

  • General health maintenance
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Risk factor identification

• Goals or Expected Outcomes:

  • Develop a customized plan for disease prevention.
  • Identify potential health risks early.
  • Enhance overall health and wellness through personalized guidance.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms or Conditions:

  • No specific symptoms; it's a preventive measure.

• Patient Criteria or Factors:

  • Must be enrolled in Medicare Part B.
  • Minimum age of 65 years.
  • Has not had an Initial Annual Wellness Visit before.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions:

  • Bring a list of current medications, including dosages.
  • Gather information on your family medical history.
  • List of current healthcare providers and specialists you are seeing.

• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:

  • No specific testing required; however, recent lab results or diagnostic tests should be reviewed.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:

  1. Health Risk Assessment (HRA):
     • Complete a questionnaire on health and lifestyle.
  2. Review of Medical and Family History:
     • Discuss any existing medical conditions, treatments, and family health history.
  3. Vital Signs and Basic Measurements:
     • Check height, weight, blood pressure, and other vital statistics.
  4. Screening and Health Assessments:
     • Screen for cognitive impairment, depression, and functional ability.
  5. Personalized Prevention Plan:
     • Develop a tailored health plan, including screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle recommendations.

• Tools and Equipment:

  • Blood pressure cuff, weight scale, measurement tape, cognitive screening tools.

• Anesthesia/Sedation:

  • Not applicable; the procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

• The visit typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

• The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, such as a doctor's office or a healthcare clinic.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved:
  • Primary care physician or nurse practitioner
  • Medical assistant or nurse for initial assessments

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:

  • There are no significant risks associated with an Annual Wellness Visit.

• Possible Complications:

  • None, as it is a non-invasive, consultative service.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits:

  • Early detection of health risks.
  • Tailored preventive strategies for better long-term health.
  • Improved management of chronic conditions.

• Realization Timeline:

  • Benefits can be immediate in terms of health risk identification and preventive planning, with long-term health improvements over time.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care:

  • No recovery period required.
  • Follow the personalized prevention plan provided by your healthcare provider.

• Expected Recovery Time:

  • Not applicable.

• Restrictions or Follow-Up Appointments:

  • Follow-up appointments as needed based on personalized prevention plan.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:

  • General health check-ups.
  • Specialist visits based on specific health concerns.

• Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

  • General check-ups may not provide the same comprehensive preventive focus.
  • Specialist visits are often reactive rather than proactive.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure:

  • Patients will undergo various health assessments and discussions, generally feeling comfortable.

• Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

  • The procedure is non-invasive and generally pain-free.