Annual Wellness Visits

Important Information Regarding Annual Wellness Visits

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Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans cover an annual preventive wellness exam with no copay. However, it is important to understand the distinction between "preventive care" and "diagnostic care" to avoid unexpected costs.

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What is Preventive Care? Preventive care focuses on evaluating your current health status when you are symptom-free. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment to help avoid serious health problems. Services typically include reviewing your medical history, standard screenings, and immunizations.

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What is Diagnostic Care? Diagnostic care includes medical treatment for specific health conditions, ongoing care for chronic issues, and the evaluation of new symptoms.

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Our Billing Policy Our office is required to bill services according to insurance guidelines. If you discuss or require treatment for acute symptoms or chronic conditions during your Annual Wellness Visit, this falls outside the scope of "preventive care."

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Consequently, your insurance may apply a copay or deductible for the diagnostic portion of the visit. To avoid these charges, we must limit the appointment strictly to preventive care. If you have specific concerns or symptoms you wish to discuss, please let us know so we can schedule a separate appointment.