Wellness Visits

What are wellness visits?

A wellness visit is an annual checkup that’s a key component of preventive care. During the visit, you can discuss any health concerns you have with Dr. Smith and schedule other services, such as vaccinations or preventive screenings. 

Regular wellness visits are important, even if you feel healthy. Chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, often develop slowly without obvious warning signs. A wellness visit can help identify any problems early and protect your well-being. 

What do wellness visits involve?

No two wellness visits are exactly alike. Dr. Smith tailors your appointment based on your age, individual needs, and health history. Still, many wellness visits include:

Health risk questionnaire

Dr. Smith may ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle, general health, and any medical concerns. Alternatively, he may ask you these questions in person, during your appointment.

Be honest and share anything that comes to mind. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. The information you provide helps Dr. Smith assess your risk of certain medical issues and guide your treatment.

Medical review

Next, Dr. Smith reviews your current diagnoses, the medications you take, and your family health history. Tell him if you’ve experienced any serious health issues within the last year. Likewise, let him know if you’ve started taking any new over-the-counter or prescription medications or supplements. 

Preventive care plan

After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Smith develops a preventive care plan. Depending on your needs, this may include updating your immunizations or undergoing preventive screenings, such as a mammogram, prostate cancer screening, or colonoscopy.

Dr. Smith will refer you to a clinic or lab facility where you can get everything done. Once your screenings are complete, the team that conducted them will send the results to Dr. Smith, so you can discuss them at a later date.

How do I prepare for a wellness visit?

An annual wellness visit doesn’t require any preparation, per se. But doing a little bit of homework in advance can ensure you get all of your questions answered and your needs met. 

If this is the first time you’re meeting with Dr. Smith, gather any recent or relevant medical test results, write down all the medications you regularly take, and document any questions or concerns you’d like to address. Having this information in front of you can streamline the conversation and ensure you don’t forget anything important.

To schedule a wellness visit at KC Cares Med, call the office or request an appointment online today.