For people with Medicare, the annual wellness exam is the Annual Wellness Visit: a yearly appointment to create or update your personalized prevention plan. It starts with a Health Risk Assessment questionnaire and focuses on screenings, risk factors and planning, not a full physical examination.
For people with employer or marketplace insurance, an “annual wellness exam” usually means a preventive physical. The Affordable Care Act requires most plans to cover recommended preventive services at no cost when you see an in-network provider.
USA Annual Wellness Exam: Quick Facts
- Medicare coverage
- Part B, once every 12 months
- Cost (Medicare)
- $0 if the provider accepts assignment
- First-year visit
- “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit (within 12 months of Part B)
- Typical length
- 30–60 minutes
- Billing codes
- G0438 (first AWV), G0439 (later AWVs)
- Private insurance
- Preventive visit usually $0 in-network (ACA)
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.