Annual Wellness Visits for Medicare Beneficiaries

Registered Nurse Annual Wellness Visits - Getting the Out of Your Most Primary Care

Patients with Medicare coverage have a great tool to help manage their health: the Registered Nurse (RN) Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

What is an RN Annual Wellness Visit?

Typically, during a 45-60 minute appointment, an RN reviews with the patient their list of medications, vital signs, mobility, changes in health status, and even access to support at home. AWVs are not full physicals, but if any health concerns arise during it, tests and/or follow-up appointments with a medical staff member can be ordered.

Robin Farrell, RN at Thayer Internal Medicine in Waterville, has been doing AWVs for five years.

"During our visits, we review any physical changes or concerns," Farrell says. "Have there been any changes in family history or personal medical history? Are you having any problems? What's going on in your life? Most of the visit is a conversation. Any concerns that are brought up are relayed back to the medical staff."

While a follow-up visit - if needed - with medical staff is scheduled within 30 days, any referrals such as labs or other tests can be managed easily, such as with audiology if a patient has noticed hearing loss.

And, importantly, Farrell connects patients with others in the practiceand in other MaineGeneral areas who can help with social issues that arise. She notes that she does a warm hand-off to the practice social worker and also can connect a patient to a community health worker, or recommend classes offered through MaineGeneral's Peter Alfond Prevention & Healthy Living Center.

"Most patients enjoy the visits," Farrell says. "We give a lot of time for talking and educating. Medical issues are brought up, such as the importance of timely screenings to prevent cancer and other diseases that may be more common as we age. But social issues and even loneliness can be brought up and addressed. We can provide resources for things to help at home."

Next Step RN AWVs - Back-to-Back Appointments

Gardiner Family Medicine is piloting an even more convenient way for Medicare-covered patients to get appointment access.

For five years, Jane Beardsley, RN, has been seeing patients for AWVs. Since this past September, Beardsley has partnered with Abigail Hoke, MD, at the practice to do back-to-back appointments.

Beardsley begins each appointment as an AWV. If any concerns arise that need a doctor's input, the connection is immediate, with Dr. Hoke providing hands-on services for the patient at the same appointment.

"We have a real discussion. I am going to as about mobility and even any changes in memory. But I really want to know how I can help you. If you're sad or feeling isolated, we have resources to help," said Beardsley.

"This process is well-received by patients," Dr. Hoke says. "They appreciate the thorough care they're receiving.

"The two-part visit helps with shared decision making and the patient gets the benefit of having two medical professionals spending time with them on their health care. They can discuss any questions that arise with me after their initial visit with Jane."

Beardsley says the first time her patients see her, they are usually not sure what to expect.

"At first they may be nervous, but they see we're here to help and they come to look forward to the annual visits," says Beardsley.

Why it's Important to Schedule Your AWV

Medicare covers 100 percent of the AWV visit, meaning it's free to Medicare beneficiaries. Costs are only incurred if lab work or other services are given.

Dr. Hoke notes that AWVs also give you access to more of your primary care team.

Most importantly, she says, the AWV gives personized, holistic care. "The RN giving your AWV is an extension of your health care team. The AWV is about your relationship with your primary care group."

"Preventive care is the foundation of health," she says. "Knowing changes you're going through year to year is essential for your health and wellbeing."

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