What is the difference between a physical and a wellness visit?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
A physical is hands-on: the doctor examines you and often orders blood work. A Medicare wellness visit is a conversation to build your prevention plan, and Medicare.gov says plainly it is not a routine physical exam. The wellness visit gives you a risk assessment, history review, medication check, cognitive and falls screening, and a written schedule of due screenings, free with a participating doctor. A hands-on physical can carry cost-sharing, and problem-solving inside a wellness visit gets billed separately. Want the exam too? Say so at booking and ask the price.
What to do
- Say which one you want when booking; the schedulers code them differently.
- Use the wellness visit for your screening schedule; it is free.
- Book separate appointments for specific symptoms to avoid mixed billing.
- Ask the cost upfront if you want a hands-on exam added.
Related questions
- How often should I get a physical?
- How do I find out what my insurance covers?
- How much does a physical cost without insurance?
- What is COBRA insurance?