🌿 What Is Not Included in a Wellness Visit?

A wellness visit (or well adult exam) is designed to assess your overall health, prevent disease, and provide guidance on living a healthier life. However, not everything is automatically included in a standard wellness visit. Knowing what’s not included helps you plan and avoid surprises.

🔹 1. Extensive Lab Tests

  • Routine wellness visits may include basic blood work or screenings.

  • Not included: Specialized tests like hormone panels, genetic testing, or advanced metabolic screenings unless specifically requested.

🔹 2. Imaging or Scans

  • Standard checkups do not automatically cover imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, or CT scans.

  • These are ordered only if a doctor finds a medical reason during the visit.

🔹 3. Procedures or Surgeries

  • Any surgical procedures (like mole removal, biopsies, or elective surgeries) are not part of a wellness visit.

  • You’ll need a separate consultation and treatment plan for these.

🔹 4. Specialist Consultations

  • Wellness visits are with your primary care physician.

  • Not included: Visits to specialists like cardiologists, dermatologists, gynecologists, or endocrinologists. Referral is needed for specialist care.

🔹 5. Vaccines (Sometimes)

  • Some routine vaccines may be recommended, but not all vaccines are automatically given during a wellness exam.

  • You may need a separate appointment for flu shots, travel vaccines, or other immunizations.

🔹 6. Cosmetic or Aesthetic Services

  • Services like skin treatments, cosmetic injections, or weight-loss procedures are not covered under a wellness visit.

  • These are considered elective and require separate appointments.

🔹 7. Mental Health Therapy

  • Wellness visits may screen for depression or anxiety, but extended mental health therapy or counseling sessions are not included.

  • Referral to a therapist or psychologist is needed for ongoing care.

✅ Summary

A wellness visit focuses on prevention, basic screenings, and general health guidance. It does not automatically include:

  • Specialized lab tests or imaging

  • Surgeries or procedures

  • Specialist consultations

  • Some vaccines

  • Cosmetic services

  • Extended mental health therapy

💡 Tip: Before your wellness visit, ask your doctor what will be covered and if you need additional tests or consultations. This helps you plan ahead and ensures you get the care you need.

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