What Happens During an Annual Wellness Visit? A Simple Guide to Your Yearly Checkup
Many people only visit a healthcare provider when they feel sick. However, one of the best ways to stay healthy is to schedule an annual wellness visit—even if you feel perfectly fine.
An annual wellness visit gives you and your healthcare provider the opportunity to focus on prevention instead of treatment. It helps identify potential health concerns early, keeps you up to date on recommended screenings, and provides a chance to discuss your overall physical, emotional, and lifestyle health.
At Aslan Health, we believe preventive care is one of the greatest investments you can make in your future.
What Is an Annual Wellness Visit?
An annual wellness visit is a comprehensive review of your health. Rather than focusing on a single illness or injury, the visit looks at your overall well-being and helps create a plan to keep you as healthy as possible in the coming year.
Think of it as a yearly health roadmap.
What Can You Expect?
Every patient is unique, but most annual wellness visits include several important components.
Review of Your Medical History
Your provider will review:
- Current medical conditions
- Past surgeries or hospitalizations
- Family medical history
- Current medications and supplements
- Allergies
- Vaccination history
Updating this information helps ensure your care reflects your current health needs.
Vital Signs
Your care team will typically measure:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Weight
- Height
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Temperature (when appropriate)
These numbers provide valuable information about your overall health and can reveal changes that deserve further attention.
Lifestyle Discussion
Good health is about much more than medications.
Your provider may ask about:
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Sleep
- Stress
- Tobacco or nicotine use
- Alcohol consumption
- Mental health
- Relationships and social support
These conversations help identify small changes that can make a big difference over time.
Physical Examination
Depending on your age, medical history, and current concerns, your provider may perform a physical exam that includes:
- Heart and lung evaluation
- Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Abdomen
- Skin
- Muscles and joints
- Neurological assessment when appropriate
The exam is tailored to your individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Preventive Screenings
One of the biggest benefits of an annual visit is making sure you’re up to date on recommended screenings.
Your provider may discuss or recommend:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol testing
- Diabetes screening
- Colon cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening (mammograms)
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap tests)
- Prostate cancer screening (PSA testing for appropriate patients)
- Osteoporosis screening
- Depression screening
- Vision or hearing evaluations
Early detection often means simpler treatment and better outcomes.
Women’s Health Matters
Women’s annual wellness visits often include discussions about:
- Breast health
- Cervical cancer screening
- Menstrual concerns
- Pregnancy planning
- Menopause symptoms
- Bone health
For eligible patients, Aslan Health participates in Minnesota’s SAGE and SAGE Plus programs, which may help cover breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who qualify.
Men’s Health Matters Too
Many men delay preventive care until symptoms become serious.
An annual visit is an opportunity to discuss:
- Blood pressure
- Heart disease risk
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes prevention
- Prostate health
- PSA testing when appropriate
- Colon cancer screening
- Healthy weight and exercise
Preventive care can catch problems before they interfere with your work, family, and quality of life.
Lab Work
Depending on your age and health history, your provider may recommend laboratory testing such as:
- Cholesterol panel
- Blood sugar (glucose or A1C)
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Thyroid testing
- Vitamin levels
- Other tests based on your personal health needs
Not everyone needs every test every year. Your provider will recommend what’s appropriate for you.
Time to Ask Questions
Your annual visit is also your opportunity to ask about anything you’ve been wondering about, including:
- New aches or pains
- Changes in energy
- Sleep problems
- Nutrition
- Weight management
- Exercise
- Sexual health
- Mental health
- Medications
- Family health concerns
No question is too small when it comes to your health.
Building a Plan for the Year Ahead
Before you leave, you and your provider can create a personalized plan that may include:
- Health goals
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Vaccinations
- Follow-up appointments
- Preventive screenings
- Referrals if needed
Rather than reacting to illness, you’re creating a proactive plan for better health.
Preventive Care Saves More Than Money
Many serious illnesses—including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and several types of cancer—often develop quietly with few or no early symptoms.
An annual wellness visit can help detect these conditions sooner, when they’re often easier to manage and treat. Staying current with preventive care may reduce future medical costs, minimize complications, and help you enjoy a healthier, more active life.
Whole-Person Care at Aslan Health
At Aslan Health, we believe caring for people means more than treating symptoms. Our mission is to provide affordable, quality healthcare that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every patient while treating each person with dignity and compassion.
Whether it’s your first annual wellness visit or it’s been several years since your last checkup, we’re here to help you take the next step toward better health.
Your health deserves attention before problems arise—and your annual wellness visit is one of the best places to start.