Annual Wellness Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Staying healthy isn’t just about reacting to symptoms—it’s about planning ahead. That’s exactly what the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is designed for. Whether you’re returning after a busy year or booking your first appointment, this guide explains what to expect, how to prepare and which preventive health screenings are commonly recommended based on your age and risk factors.

What is an Annual Wellness Visit?

An AWV focuses on prevention and long-term health planning. Instead of a quick sick-visit, your provider takes time to review your health history, medications, lifestyle and risks. You’ll typically complete a health risk assessment, review vitals, discuss mental health and cognitive concerns and build a personalized care plan with follow-ups and screening timelines.

Want a deeper dive on screenings? See our post on why preventive screenings matter.

Before You Go: How to Prepare

Arrive ready to talk about your real day-to-day health—not just your lab numbers. Bring:

• A current medication and supplement list (dose + frequency).
• Health data you track (BP readings, glucose logs, activity).
• Family history changes (e.g., early heart disease, cancers).
• Top 3 priorities (fatigue? sleep? weight? skin? digestion?).

What Usually Happens During the Visit

• Vitals & baseline measures: blood pressure, pulse, weight, BMI/waist.
• Lifestyle & risk review: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, alcohol/tobacco.
• Mental health check-in: screening for anxiety, depression or cognitive changes.
• Preventive plan: which vaccines and screenings are recommended for you.
• Referrals/next steps: e.g., dermatology for a mole check or a sleep study if snoring affects daytime energy.

For a look at how we approach prevention more broadly, read Your Health, Reimagined: Personalized Primary & Preventive Care.

Common Preventive Screenings to Discuss

Your provider will tailor these to your age, sex and risk profile:

• Metabolic health: A1C, fasting glucose, lipids (cholesterol), thyroid.
• Cancer screenings: colon (per guidelines), cervical (Pap/HPV), breast (mammogram), prostate (shared decision).
• Bone health: DEXA scan in at-risk adults.
• Cardiovascular risk: blood pressure trends, family history and possibly coronary calcium scoring in select cases.
• Immunizations: flu, COVID-19 (if indicated), Tdap, shingles, pneumococcal per age/risk.
• Lifestyle-linked concerns: sleep apnea risk, nutrition gaps, stress/burnout.

How to Get More From Your AWV

• Ask “what’s my biggest risk?” You’ll get a focused plan instead of a generic checklist.
• Set one habit goal (e.g., 20-minute evening walks 4x/week). Simple wins compound.
• Clarify follow-ups—book them before you leave.
• Use tech wisely: if you wear a tracker, discuss realistic targets for steps, HRV or sleep.

When Weight, Energy or Digestion Are Your Main Concerns

Prevention also means addressing what’s holding you back. If your priorities include sustainable weight loss, energy slumps or food reactions, ask whether you’re a candidate for a structured plan or testing (e.g., nutrition coaching, metabolic labs or targeted assessments).

Conclusion

Your Annual Wellness Visit is the perfect time to press pause, see the bigger picture and create a personalized roadmap for the year ahead. With the right screenings and a realistic action plan, you’ll leave with clarity and momentum.

Call A to Z Healthcare at (352) 304-5466 to learn how Annual Wellness Visit can support your journey toward mental wellness naturally and effectively.

Disclaimer: Above information is subject to change and represent the views of the author. It is shared for educational purposes only. Readers are advised to use their own judgement and seek specific professional advice before making any decision. A to Z Healthcare is not liable for any actions taken by reader based on the information shared in this article. You may consult with us before using this information for any purpose.