8 questions to ask at your annual wellness visit

Speaking up and asking questions can make all the difference in your health. Bring these questions with you to your next annual wellness visit.

Senior female patient and doctor looking at chart

Your annual wellness visit isn’t just another item on your to-do list. This free Medicare visit presents a wonderful opportunity to learn about your personal risk factors for many chronic diseases and create a personalized prevention plan. And, hopefully, you’ll go home with a new appreciation for healthy habits. 

“If you’re letting your doctor do all the talking and questioning at your checkup, you’re shortchanging your care,” says Robert F. Raspa, M.D., a family physician at Baptist Health in Orange Park, Florida. 

Here are eight key questions to ask at your next annual wellness visit. 

1. Is my blood pressure in the healthy range?  

Elevated blood pressure is one of the first signs of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. So, it’s good to know where your numbers fall on the spectrum. If you’re close to the borderline, your doctor might recommend self-monitoring, lifestyle changes, or even medication. 

Possible lifestyle changes may include: 

  • Eating a well-balanced, lower-salt diet 
  • Limiting alcohol 
  • Physical activity 
  • Quitting smoking 
  • Keeping up with any medications you’ve been prescribed 

A caring doctor and patient huging
Are you ready for your next annual wellness visit?

Call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If you don’t have a PCP, you can use Find a Doctor on hmsa.com to search for a participating provider near you.

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2. Am I at a healthy weight for my age?  

“We want everyone in a healthy weight range,” says Dr. Raspa, “and discussing your current weight and body mass index (BMI) gives us an entry point to talk about the importance of exercising and a healthy diet.” He notes that BMI numbers aren’t 100% accurate for indicating how healthy you are. But knowing your BMI is a useful tool when gauging your overall health. 

3. Is there anything in my family health history that’s a concern?  

Several diseases and chronic conditions are passed on via familial genes. With this information, your doctor can talk to you about specific preventive measures and/or tests that can help you avoid those conditions. Be sure to bring up any new illnesses that have been diagnosed in your family since your last visit. 

4. What health problems should be on my radar?  

“Ideally, your doctor will bring up common health issues for older adults as part of the checkup,” says Dr. Raspa. “But if they don’t, you should.” The goal with this question is to open a dialogue about your lifestyle and health habits — and to put wellness issues on your radar. 

5. Am I due for any health screenings or medical tests?  

An annual wellness visit is often the place to find out whether you should schedule any of the following tests:  

You don’t want to leave your appointment without asking about these tests. Also, ask your doctor if there are any others you should schedule.  

6. Do I need to change any of my daily habits?  

If your doctor hasn’t asked you about your sex life, how often you drink alcohol, or what kind of daily stress you’re under, take a deep breath and bring up these sensitive issues yourself. 

“We’re on your side and aren’t here to judge,” says Dr. Raspa. 

The unfortunate truth is that many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among older adults. And many STIs present no symptoms and can be spread unknowingly.  

Regarding stress management, your doctor can share healthy ways to manage life’s challenges. 
 
And excessive alcohol consumption is linked with chronic diseases and health issues, including: 

7. Are my medications still necessary?  

Remind your doctor about all your prescriptions, their dosages, and any supplements or over-the-counter medications you take regularly. Health conditions can improve and bodies can change, both of which may mean it’s time to take a second look at the medicines you’re taking.  

8. Is this normal?  

Bodies are mysterious and just about everyone has some embarrassing body issue they’re curious or concerned about. Dr. Raspa says incontinence, erectile issues, and bowel movements are among the most common topics that patients have a difficult time discussing. 

“Go ahead and ask us,” he says. “There are good treatments for all of these issues.” 
 

Additional sources: 
Annual wellness visit basics: Medicare.gov; Medicare Learning Network 
Blood pressure readings: American Heart Association 
Lifestyle changes for high blood pressure: American Heart Association 
High blood pressure and kidney disease: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 
Family health history: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   

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