What Happens at an Annual Wellness Visit?
An annual wellness visit is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of your health. Even when you feel well, this appointment gives your primary care provider a chance to look at the bigger picture: how your body is functioning, what health risks may be developing, and what steps can help you stay active and independent.
At Rush Memorial Hospital, primary care is focused on building long-term relationships that support your health today and tomorrow. Rush Memorial describes primary care providers as partners who help patients maintain good health through wellness checks, preventive care, and ongoing guidance.
Your Overall Health Trends
Your provider may begin by reviewing basic health measures such as blood pressure, weight, heart rate, and body mass index. These numbers help show patterns over time. A single reading may not tell the whole story, but changes from year to year can point to early signs of high blood pressure, weight-related concerns, or other health risks.
Your visit may also include a conversation about sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress, tobacco use, alcohol use, and mental health. These topics are not small details. They help your provider understand what is happening in your daily life and how it may be affecting your long-term health.
Screenings Based on Your Age and Risk
A wellness visit is also the time to review which preventive screenings are right for you. Depending on your age, family history, and health history, your provider may discuss screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, depression, or other conditions.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends several preventive screenings for adults, including blood pressure screening, depression screening, colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for most adults, and breast cancer screening every other year for women ages 40 to 74.
Your provider can help you understand which recommendations apply to you and whether your personal risk factors mean you should begin earlier or screen more often.
Vaccines and Preventive Care
Your wellness visit is a good time to check whether you are up to date on recommended vaccines. Adult vaccine needs can change based on age, health conditions, pregnancy, occupation, travel, and prior vaccination history. The CDC publishes adult immunization schedules to help healthcare providers determine which vaccines may be recommended.
This may include vaccines for flu, COVID-19, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, RSV, or others, depending on your age and health status.
Medications and Chronic Conditions
If you take prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements, bring a current list to your visit. Your provider may review whether your medications are working well, whether any side effects are occurring, and whether refills or lab monitoring is needed.
For patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or thyroid disease, wellness visits help keep care organized. They also give you time to ask questions before a concern becomes more serious.
A Plan You Can Use
The goal of a wellness visit is not simply to complete a checklist. It’s to create a plan that fits your life. That plan may include scheduling a screening, updating vaccines, setting a health goal, changing a medication, or following up on a concern.
Even one visit per year can help your provider spot changes early, answer questions, and support better health decisions.
Schedule Your Wellness Visit
Whether it’s been one year or several years since your last checkup, your primary care provider can help you take the next step. Schedule a wellness visit with Rush Memorial Hospital and make preventive care part of your routine.
Medical disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow guidance from your healthcare provider. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.