Annual wellness visit, includes a personalized prevention plan of service (pps), subsequent visit
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Annual Wellness Visit, Subsequent Visit (Technical/Medical Term: HCPCS G0439)
Summary
An Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a yearly appointment with your healthcare provider focused on establishing or updating a personalized prevention plan of service (PPS) to prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors. The subsequent visit is an ongoing follow-up to ensure the prevention plan is effectively maintained and adjusted as required.
Purpose
The AWV addresses the following:
- Early detection of potential health issues
- Implementing strategies to mitigate risks of disease
Promoting overall health and wellness
Goals and expected outcomes include:
- Comprehensive health risk assessment
- Personalized prevention plan incorporating lifestyle and medical interventions
- Enhanced management of chronic illnesses
Indications
The AWV is suitable for:
- Adults aged 65 and older enrolled in Medicare
- Individuals seeking to update or modify their existing prevention plan
- Patients with no immediate medical complaints but requiring a routine wellness evaluation
Preparation
There is typically minimal preparation required. However:
- Bring a list of current medications, supplements, and doses
- Have a family history of diseases and health conditions ready
- Prepare personal health and lifestyle information (e.g., diet, exercise habits)
No fasting or specific diagnostic tests are generally necessary before the visit unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
Procedure Description
- Initial Discussion: Review of personal and family medical history, lifestyle, and health risks.
- Health Risk Assessment: Completion of questionnaires and screenings to identify risk factors.
- Vital Signs Measurement: Blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI).
- Preventive Screening Schedule: Establishing or updating a schedule for necessary preventive services such as mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.
- Personalized Prevention Plan: Development or modification of an individualized prevention plan, which may include lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and other recommended interventions.
No specific tools are required beyond standard medical instruments, questionnaires, and screening tools. Anesthesia or sedation is not applicable to this procedure.
Duration
The procedure typically takes around 30-60 minutes.
Setting
The AWV is performed in outpatient settings such as a doctor's office, clinic, or community health center.
Personnel
The visit is usually conducted by:
- A primary care physician or internist
- Nurse practitioners or physician assistants
- Nursing staff for preliminary assessments
Risks and Complications
The AWV poses minimal risk, as it is non-invasive. However, potential risks could include:
- Psychological discomfort from discussing health risks or family history
- Possible minor physical discomfort from standard screenings and measurements
Benefits
Expected benefits of the AWV include:
- Early identification and management of potential health issues
- Tailored health maintenance advice
- Improved overall health outcomes through proactive measures The benefits can typically be realized shortly after implementing the personalized prevention plan.
Recovery
No recovery period is needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately following the visit. Follow-up appointments will depend on the preventive plan and individual health needs.
Alternatives
Alternative options include:
- Standard physical exams or wellness check-ups without a detailed personalized prevention plan
- Specific specialist consultations if a particular health concern arises Compared to the AWV, these alternatives might not provide as comprehensive a preventive approach.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, patients might experience a thorough and engaging conversation about their health and lifestyle. Physical discomfort is minimal, mainly confined to routine screenings such as blood pressure measurement. Pain management or comfort measures are typically not necessary as the AWV is non-invasive.