Doctor’s Visits…Aren’t They All the Same?
Scheduling a doctor’s visit can be confusing if it’s your first time or you haven’t been in a while. Some folks even have to resort to calling their parents for help, or let's be honest, the more organized spouse. Let’s face it, scheduling this appointment can be a hassle. Not only do you have to provide portions of your personal history but then there’s the insurance information too. Who hasn’t stumbled over which is the Group ID vs Member ID? And just when you think the test is over the front desk staff ask what do you need to be seen for? Essentially, what type of visit do you need? But hey, don't worry, I'm here to help you crack the code of the different types of doctor's visits. Let's make this appointment a little less stressful! Here’s a list of the 6 standard office visits:
New patient appointment: First-time visits are scheduled as new patient appointments. There are certain situations where you may have seen the doctor before but will need to be treated as a new patient. Pertinent health history is reviewed during this appointment. In some states, if you haven’t been seen within 3 years of your last visit, you’re considered a new patient. It’s important to maintain a relationship with your doctor in the event you have an urgent or emergent need.
Established patient appointment: Congratulations on finding your new doctor! Once you’ve completed the new patient visit you’ve become established with the practice. Established patient appointments are all the visits that follow the new patient visit. The term “established patient” more so defines the relationship you have with the practice.
Acute care appointment: The term urgent visit can be used synonymously. These are focused visits with specific questions and physical examinations for new health concerns. Examples that warrant an acute care visit would be abdominal pain, burning with urination, fatigue, a cough, etc.
Annual Physical: The annual visit is an important visit. It’s your free visit, meaning no co-pay is needed. However, that part can get tricky. Stay with me. I’ll explain later. A physical is typically completed once a year. Preventive screenings, such as pap smears, colonoscopies, mammograms, and lab testing are discussed during this visit. Family history is crucial and is taken into account when determining which screenings are appropriate. The annual physical is also an opportune time to review nutrition and exercise recommendations, screen for mental health conditions, and discuss contraception. Now back to the tricky part. If a new concern is discussed during the physical it can be combined with an acute care visit. Thus, a co-pay is needed.
Medicare Wellness Visit (MWV): If you are a Medicare health insurance holder, you can schedule a Medicare Wellness Visit. This visit is designed specifically for seniors and is similar to an annual physical but with an additional focus on the increased risk of complications related to falls, fractures, and injuries. It includes a thorough review of medications, vision and hearing screenings. Additionally, the Medicare Wellness Visit also provides an opportunity to have discussions about advanced care directives.
Hopefully, this review clarifies the different visit types and highlights the different components and purposes of each visit.
