Patient Insurance
Understanding Your Insurance: Annual Visits vs. Preventive Services
One of the most common questions we get is: What does my insurance cover during an annual visit, and what counts as preventive care?
The short answer: it depends on your insurance plan.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover one annual wellness visit per year at no cost. But what’s included in that visit can vary depending on your provider and specific plan. That’s why we want to help explain the difference between an annual visit and other preventive services—and what your insurance may or may not cover.
What Is Annual Wellness Visit?
An annual wellness visit is a check-up that helps us keep track of your overall health. It usually includes basic screenings, questions about your medical history, and time to talk about your health goals or concerns. These visits help us build a long-term picture of your well-being and catch potential issues early.
What Preventive Services Are Covered by Insurance?
Coverage can vary by plan, but many insurance providers fully cover:
- Annual wellness visits
- Some routine vaccinations
- Certain health screenings (like blood pressure, cholesterol, or cancer screenings)
However, not all plans include every preventive service. Some only cover the basics and may charge you for anything extra.
Preventive vs. Diagnostic Tests: What’s the Difference?
- Preventive tests are routine screenings done to catch issues early—before you have symptoms. Examples: blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, or a mammogram as part of a regular check-up.
- Diagnostic tests are done when you already have symptoms, and your provider needs more information to figure out what’s going on. These are usually not included in your free annual visit.
Know What Your Insurance Covers
Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to check your insurance benefits:
- Is your annual visit fully covered?
- Are lab tests or imaging (like blood work or X-rays) included?
- Are sick visits covered?
- Do I have to pay for a Deductible/Coinsurance/Copay? If yes, then How much?
“Covered” Doesn’t Always Mean “Free”
Even if a service is “covered,” it doesn’t always mean it’s completely free. For example, treatment for a specific condition, prescription refills, or extra tests may still cost you something out of pocket.
Insurance Plans
Below is a list of many insurance companies we work with. This list may change and doesn’t include every plan. If you don’t see your insurance provider listed, please contact us by phone or email to check if we accept your plan.