The most important doctor visit you’ll have all year

An annual wellness visit with your primary care provider is one of the best tools you have for staying on top of your health. This appointment gives you time to talk with your doctor about any health risks and learn ways to be well and injury-free.

Your doctor might also recommend new healthy habits to add to your routine. Plus, your visit will help keep you up to date on the preventive screenings and other tests you may need. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at your visit.

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You’ll complete a health risk assessment

Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire called a health risk assessment. This assessment might include:

• A review of your medical and family history
• A review of your current conditions and prescriptions
• Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements

You and your doctor will talk about your health and potential risks

Your answers to the health risk assessment, along with the measurements your doctor takes, can help you and your provider develop a prevention plan. It will be focused on either helping you stay healthy or, as much as possible, helping to prevent any current issues from worsening.

After the assessment, your doctor may offer guidance on the following:

• Personalized health advice
• A list of risk factors and treatment options
• A checklist of appropriate preventive services, including screenings and vaccinations
• Advanced care planning

Your doctor will check for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

Signs of cognitive impairment include having difficulty with the following:

• Remembering or learning new things
• Concentrating
• Managing finances
• Making decisions about your everyday life

If your provider thinks you may have cognitive impairment, Medicare covers a separate visit for a more thorough review. This review would check for conditions such as dementia, depression, anxiety, and delirium.

You’ll get to ask plenty of questions

When you go for your annual wellness visit, your doctor will ask you a lot of questions — but it’s important that you come with your own questions to discuss. Here are some things you may want to cover during your visit.

Is my blood pressure under control? Regular screenings for high blood pressure can help determine whether you’re at risk of other health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. They can also determine whether you’re at risk of kidney disease, which is often undiagnosed until its late stages, when symptoms appear.

How can I prevent falls? Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, so talk to your doctor about getting a fall risk assessment. Ask for advice on fall prevention, including how to stay active and maintain strength and balance. You also can ask how your medications or vision may impact your balance, or how to make your home safer.

Any tips on how I can stop smoking? If you use tobacco, your doctor can connect you with resources to help you quit.

What kind of exercise should I do? Working out regularly boosts health in many ways. But it can be hard to know what type of movement is best, and for how long. If you’re having trouble making time to exercise, talk to your doctor about how to integrate healthy decisions and habits into your daily routine.

What foods should I eat? Your doctor can offer suggestions for foods that are good for you, and warn you about foods to avoid, particularly if you have any health conditions.

How can I improve my mental health? Changes in mood can be an indicator of mental health struggles. Let your doctor know if you’ve been feeling down lately. They can connect you with a therapist who can help. They may also encourage you to get active, physically and socially, which research shows can help lift your mood.

Sometimes I leak a bit of urine. What can I do about that? Urinary incontinence may become more common as you age. Tell your doctor if you’ve experienced any leakage. They can help determine why it’s happening and make a plan to manage the issue.

Am I a healthy weight? Being overweight or underweight can have implications for your health. Your doctor can measure your height and weight and let you know if you’re outside the normal range.

Which preventive screenings do I need? Preventive screenings are vital, especially as you get older. But the type and frequency of screenings needed is different for everyone. To start, ask your doctor about breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings, as well as about getting bone mineral density (osteoporosis) testing. Talk to your provider about how to schedule these appointments.