A new year is the perfect time to prioritize your health. One of the most important steps you can take is scheduling your Annual Well Visit, also known as a yearly physical or preventive care visit.

An annual well visit helps you stay healthy, detect potential issues early, and prepare your body for the year ahead, including the upcoming spring allergy season.

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What Is an Annual Well Visit?

An Annual Well Visit is a preventive checkup focused on maintaining your overall health rather than treating illness. During this visit, your provider reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors to help prevent future health problems.

Most insurance plans cover annual well visits when billed as preventive care, making it one of the most valuable healthcare appointments you can schedule each year.

What Happens During an Annual Well Visit?

Your annual well visit may include:

• Review of personal and family medical history

• Blood pressure, weight, and vital sign checks

• Preventive screenings based on age and risk factors

• Medication review

• Discussion of health goals and concerns

Additional services may be available during your annual visit, including:

• EKG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate heart health when appropriate

• Allergy testing to help identify triggers and prepare for the spring allergy season

• Lab work recommendations, if clinically indicated

These services allow your provider to build a more complete picture of your health and plan proactively.

The Importance of Annual Blood Work

Annual blood tests are an important part of preventive care and are often recommended during your Annual Well Visit. These tests help your provider monitor your overall health and identify changes that may not yet be causing symptoms.

Routine blood work can help with:

• Detecting early signs of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and kidney disease

• Identifying abnormal lab values that may require further evaluation

• Monitoring risk factors associated with certain cancers and serious illnesses

• Establishing a baseline to track health changes over time

While blood tests alone do not diagnose cancer, they can reveal warning signs that prompt further evaluation, often before symptoms develop. Early detection allows providers to recommend timely follow-up and personalized care.

Why Schedule Your Annual Well Visit at the Start of the Year?

Scheduling your annual well visit early in the year offers many benefits:

• Catch potential health issues before symptoms appear

• Establish a baseline for heart health with an EKG when appropriate

• Identify health changes early through routine blood work

• Prepare early for seasonal allergies

• Use preventive care insurance benefits before the year gets busy

• Set achievable health goals for the months ahead

Prepare for Spring Allergies Before They Start

If you experience seasonal allergies, your annual well visit is an ideal time to discuss symptoms and consider allergy testing. Identifying triggers early allows your provider to recommend treatment options before pollen levels rise.

Who Should Schedule an Annual Well Visit?

Annual well visits are recommended for:

• Adults of all ages

• Patients with heart disease risk factors

• Individuals with seasonal or environmental allergies

• Anyone focused on preventive and long-term health

Even if you feel well, preventive care plays a vital role in staying healthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Annual Well Visit covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover an Annual Well Visit when it is billed as preventive care. Coverage and any out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and may change if additional services are performed.

What is the difference between an Annual Well Visit and a sick visit?
An Annual Well Visit focuses on preventive care and overall wellness, while a sick visit addresses specific symptoms or medical concerns. If new problems are evaluated or treated during your appointment, additional charges may apply depending on your insurance.

Can I get an EKG during my Annual Well Visit?
An EKG may be performed during your annual visit when clinically appropriate. Your provider will advise whether an EKG is recommended based on your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.

Is allergy testing available during the Annual Well Visit?
Yes, allergy testing may be available and can help identify triggers before the spring allergy season. Coverage and eligibility may vary by insurance plan.

Do I need to fast for my Annual Well Visit?
Fasting is not always required. If lab work is recommended, your provider or office staff will let you know in advance if fasting is needed.

How often should I schedule an Annual Well Visit?
Most adults should schedule an Annual Well Visit once per year to stay up to date on preventive screenings and wellness planning.

Can I schedule my Annual Well Visit at any location?
Yes, Annual Well Visits are available at all 14 Street Medical locations listed below.

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Insurances We Accept

14 Street Medical is a primary care practice in New York City accepting most major insurance plans. We provide annual well visits, preventive care, and primary care services to patients across NYC.

Accepted Insurance Plans (Alphabetical Order)

• 1199 SEIU Benefit Funds

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Empire, Anthem)

• Cigna

• EmblemHealth (GHI)

• Fidelis Care

• Healthfirst

• Humana

• MagnaCare

• Medicaid

• Medicare

• Molina Healthcare

• Oxford Health Plans

• UnitedHealthcare

Coverage may vary by specific plan, provider, and services rendered. We recommend confirming insurance coverage prior to your visit.

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Our Locations

You can schedule your Annual Well Visit at any of our convenient New York City locations:

• 14 Street Medical Arts
  332 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

• W14 Medical Arts
  110 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

• Columbus Medical Arts
  233 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

• Radiology Medical Arts
  500 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009

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Schedule Your Annual Well Visit Today

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Appointments are now available. Start the year with confidence by prioritizing preventive care, monitoring your health with routine blood work, and preparing for allergy season.

Call our office or schedule through the patient portal today.

Your health deserves attention all year long.