Primary care 

Our primary care physicians provide the highest quality health care, tailored to the unique needs of our patients. We have many skilled and caring family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric providers accepting new patients in your neighborhood, with convenient scheduling and plenty of availability. We serve counties such as Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union. Find a doctor near you.

How often you should see your primary care doctor depends on things like your age, health, and any medical conditions you may have. Your doctor will help you figure out the best schedule for you, whether that's a yearly check-up or more frequent visits to stay on top of your health. Regular visits help keep you healthy and can catch problems early. Know when to schedule important regular exams.

Here’s what you should bring to your primary care visit:

• List of your current medications, allergies, and any past surgeries or health conditions
• Updates on any recent doctor visits, hospital stays, or urgent care trips since your last visit
• Questions, symptoms, or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor
• A health journal where you track important dates, symptoms, or changes in your health
• Any documents, like test results or medical records, and something to take notes on during your visit
  

Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment and work with your doctor to stay healthy!

Sign-up for MyChart where you can safely message your provider, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, access medical records and more.

The annual physical (preventative or well visit) also focuses on prevention but includes a complete (head-to-toe) physical examination. Most private insurance plans cover this type of visit without a copay; Medicare does not pay for an annual physical.

During an annual physical, your care provider will:

• Perform a physical exam
• Talk about and treat health concerns, such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, allergies, trouble sleeping, depression or anxiety, heart palpitations
• May help manage long-term (chronic) conditions and suggest ways to keep them under good control
• Order lab tests or imaging (such as blood work or X-rays) if needed
• Refer to a specialist if appropriate

If you wish to discuss new symptoms or medical concerns during your annual physical, this may be considered a separate, problem-focused visit and you may be billed for a copay or coinsurance, depending on your healthcare plan.

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a once-a-year preventive visit designed to help you stay healthy, independent and ahead of potential health problems.

The focus is not on illness or treatment, but on protecting your long-term health and preventing future problems. It is a valuable opportunity to identify risks early, update your preventive care, and create a personalized plan to support your health goals for the year ahead.

Many health conditions can be prevented or better managed when they are found early. This visit is an important opportunity to do exactly that.

Before your visit, you may complete a short health risk assessment on MyChart or at your appointment. This helps guide your discussion with your provider. 

It is important to note that this visit is not a traditional physical exam and is not intended to diagnose or treat new or ongoing medical problems. 

What happens during the visit?

During your Annual Wellness Visit, your provider will:

• Review your medical history and current medications
• Discuss your lifestyle, habits, and any health concerns
• Check basic measurements including your height, weight, and blood pressure
• Make sure you are up to date on preventive screenings and vaccines
• Screen for common risks such as:
• Depression or low mood
• Fall risk
•  Memory or thinking concerns
• Social and support needs
• Create or update a personalized prevention plan for the year
• Discuss advance care planning (optional), such as choosing a healthcare decision-maker or healthcare proxy

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit does not include:

• A full physical exam
• Treatment of new or ongoing medical problems
• Routine blood tests (blood work is not automatically included) 

If you wish to discuss new symptoms or medical concerns during your Annual Wellness Visit, this may be considered a separate, problem-focused visit and you may be billed for a copay or coinsurance, depending on your Medicare plan.

Can I get lab tests during my Annual Wellness Visit?

This visit does not automatically include blood tests. However, your provider may order lab work if it is medically necessary based on your health or medical history.

• Medicare generally covers medically necessary tests
• Copays or coinsurance may apply depending on your plan

Key takeaway

The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit focuses on prevention, early detection of health risks, and creating a personalized plan to help you stay healthy throughout the year.