RN annual wellness visits: Getting the most out of your primary care

RN annual wellness visits: Getting the most out of your primary care

Patients with Medicare coverage have a great tool to help manage their health: the Registered Nurse (RN) Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).

What is an RN Annual Wellness Visit?

Typically, during a 45-60 minute appointment, an RN reviews with the patient their list of medications, vital signs, mobility, changes in health status, and even access to support at home. AWVs are not full physicals, but if any health concerns arise during it, tests and/or follow-up appointments with a medical staff member can be ordered.

Robin Farrell, RN at Thayer Internal Medicine in Waterville, has been doing AWVs for five years.

"During our visits, we review any physical changes or concerns," Farrell says. "Have there been any changes in family history or personal medical history? Are you having any problems? What's going on in your life? Most of the visit is a conversation and concerns that are brought up are relayed to the medical staff."

While a follow-up visit - if needed - with medical staff is scheduled within 30 days, any referrals such as labs or other tests can be managed easily, such as with audiology if a patient has noticed hearing loss.

And, importantly, Farrell connects patients with others in the practice and in other MaineGeneral areas who can help with social issues that arise. She notes that she does a warm hand-off to the practice social worker and also can connect a patient to a community health worker, or recommend classes offered through MaineGeneral's Peter Alfond Prevention & Healthy Living Center.

"Most patients enjoy the visits," she says. "We give a lot of time for talking and educating. Medical issues are brought up, such as the importance of timely screenings to prevent cancer and other diseases that may be more common as we age. But social issues and even loneliness can be discussed and addressed. We can provide resources for things to help at home."

Next Step RN AWVs - Back-to-Back Appointments

Gardiner Family Medicine is piloting an even more convenient way for Medicare-covered patients to get appointment access.

For five years, Jane Beardsley, RN, has seen patients for AWVs. Since September, she has partnered with Abigail Hoke, MD, at the practice to do back-to-back appointments.

Beardsley begins each appointment as an AWV. If concerns arise that need a doctor's input, the connection is immediate, with Dr. Hoke providing hands-on services for the patient at the same appointment.

"This process is well-received by patients," Dr. Hoke says. "They appreciate the thorough care they're receiving. The two-part visit helps with shared decision making and the patient benefits from having two medical professionals spending time with them."

Beardsley says the first time her patients see her, they usually are not sure what to expect.

"They may be nervous at first but see that we're here to help," she says, "and they come to look forward to the annual visits."

The Importance of Scheduling an AWV

Medicare covers 100 percent of the visit, meaning it's free to Medicare beneficiaries. Costs only are incurred if lab work or other services are given.

Dr. Hoke notes that AWVs also give patients access to more of their primary care team. Most important is that the AWV gives personized, holistic care.

"The RN providing the AWV is an extension of the patient's health care team. The AWV is about the patient's relationship with their primary care group," she says. "Preventive care is the foundation of health. Knowing changes the patient is going through year to year is essential for their health and well-being."

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