When it comes to staying healthy, prevention is always better than a cure. That’s exactly what the Medicare Wellness Questionnaire aims to achieve — helping you and your healthcare provider identify risks early and plan for a healthier future.
As a Hartford-based Nurse Practitioner (Meghan Killilea Galli, APRN, FNP-BC), I complete these wellness assessments daily with my patients. This guide breaks down what the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Questionnaire includes, why it matters, and how to make the most of it.
What Is the Medicare Wellness Questionnaire?
The Medicare Wellness Questionnaire is part of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) — a preventive health benefit designed to keep track of your overall well-being. It isn’t a physical exam but rather a detailed conversation and assessment of your health history, lifestyle, and potential risks.
This questionnaire helps your healthcare provider develop or update a personalized prevention plan, tailored to your unique needs and medical background.
The Purpose of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Questionnaire
The goal is simple — early detection and prevention. By reviewing your current health status and risk factors, your provider can:
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Identify chronic conditions early (like diabetes or hypertension)
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Review medications and supplements
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Assess memory, mobility, and mood changes
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Recommend screenings, vaccines, or lifestyle changes
This structured approach ensures that nothing important slips through the cracks during your annual visit.
What’s Included in the Medicare Wellness Questionnaire?
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Questionnaire includes several key sections that cover:
1. Personal and Family Health History
Your provider will review:
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Past medical conditions and surgeries
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Family history of heart disease, cancer, or genetic conditions
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Allergies and medication reactions
2. Medication and Supplement Review
You’ll list:
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All prescription and over-the-counter drugs
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Vitamins and herbal supplements
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Frequency and dosage details
3. Lifestyle and Habits Assessment
This section focuses on your day-to-day life:
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Nutrition and diet patterns
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Exercise frequency and type
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Alcohol and tobacco use
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Sleep quality
4. Functional and Safety Assessment
Medicare wants to ensure your independence and safety at home. The questions may include:
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Can you perform daily activities like bathing or dressing?
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Have you had any recent falls?
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Are there safety hazards at home (like loose rugs or poor lighting)?
5. Cognitive and Emotional Health Screening
Cognitive decline and depression can be subtle. Your provider might ask:
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Do you often forget appointments or names?
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Have you been feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless recently?
6. Preventive Care Planning
Based on your answers, you’ll receive a personalized prevention plan, which may include:
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Recommended screenings (mammogram, colonoscopy, blood tests)
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Immunizations
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Nutritional or activity recommendations
How to Prepare for Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
To make your visit more effective, preparation helps. Here’s how you can get ready:
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Bring a complete list of medications and supplements
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Note any recent changes in health, energy, or mood
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Bring contact information for other specialists you see
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Write down any questions or health concerns in advance
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Bring your glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
Why the Medicare Wellness Questionnaire Matters
This questionnaire isn’t just paperwork — it’s a foundation for personalized preventive care. By openly sharing details about your lifestyle, memory, and mood, you help your provider catch early warning signs before they become serious.
Many patients don’t realize that Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit at no cost when done by an eligible provider. So, it’s an opportunity to take charge of your health without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
Common Questions About the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
Do I need to fast before my Annual Wellness Visit?
No, fasting isn’t necessary. The visit is mostly conversational and focused on assessment, not lab work.
Is this the same as a physical exam?
No. The Medicare Wellness Visit does not replace your annual physical. It’s a preventive service focusing on risk factors and planning.
How long does the questionnaire take?
Usually 20–30 minutes, depending on your medical history and the number of medications you take.
What if I don’t remember everything?
That’s okay! Bring what you can, and your provider can help fill in the gaps using your medical records.
The Role of Your Provider
As a healthcare provider, my goal during your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is to ensure you feel heard, supported, and empowered. The questionnaire serves as a roadmap to keep you healthy, independent, and confident about your well-being.
Together, we can use this tool to:
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Build a long-term care plan
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Identify small lifestyle tweaks with big benefits
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Coordinate with specialists or therapists when needed
Key Takeaways
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The Medicare Wellness Questionnaire is part of your Annual Wellness Visit, focused on prevention, not diagnosis.
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It helps your provider track risks, mental health, medications, and lifestyle factors.
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You’ll receive a personalized prevention plan based on your responses.
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Preparation makes your visit smoother and more meaningful.
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It’s fully covered by Medicare — no cost to you.
Final Thoughts
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Questionnaire might seem like a routine checklist, but it’s one of the most powerful preventive tools in healthcare. It turns your visit into a conversation about your future health, not just your current condition.
As a Hartford-based Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how these questionnaires help detect silent risks and empower patients to take control of their well-being.
So, when you’re due for your next Medicare Wellness Visit, bring your completed questionnaire, an open mind, and a commitment to better health — one question at a time.
Disclaimer: This is informational content, not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Meghan Killilea Galli, APRN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner based in Connecticut with over 5 years of clinical experience in urology, women’s pelvic health, and primary care. She currently practices with Hartford HealthCare and Griffin Faculty Practice Plan, where she provides evidence-based, patient-centered care. Meghan founded Health Gardeners to make reliable health information accessible for Hartford residents and beyond. Read More 