Fisher Titus

Author: Lindsay Bonamigo

  • Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What to Expect

    Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: What to Expect

    You just turned 65, or maybe a reminder came in the mail saying it’s time for your Medicare annual wellness visit. You might wonder what it involves and if you really need it. The short answer is yes. It’s a yearly conversation with your provider that helps you catch health problems early and make wellness plans.

    This guide explains what an annual wellness visit for seniors includes, why it matters after 65 and how to prepare.

     

    What Is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

    A Medicare annual wellness visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider. The two of you will review your overall health and create or update your personal prevention plan, which is a list of screenings, shots and healthy habits.

    During regular visits, your provider discusses health problems you already have, like diabetes or high blood pressure. That may leave little time for prevention, so this yearly check-in focuses on it.

    “It’s one visit per year totally dedicated to wellness and prevention,” said Dr. Christina Canfield, family medicine physician at Fisher-Titus Family Medicine-Wakeman.

    Anyone with Medicare Part B can get one every 12 months. In your first year on Part B, you get a “Welcome to Medicare” visit. Your first annual wellness visit comes in your second year, with an annual follow-up after that. Medicare Advantage plans cover these visits, too.

    This visit isn’t the same as a physical, which is a hands-on exam where your provider checks your body for problems. A wellness visit is more of a conversation. Your provider will check a few basics, like your weight and blood pressure, but they won’t do a full exam or run tests.

    If your provider accepts assignment, meaning they take Medicare’s approved amount as full payment, you usually pay nothing for the wellness visit. Original Medicare does not pay for a yearly physical, though some Medicare Advantage plans do.

     

    What to Expect During Your Annual Wellness Visit

    • Health risk assessment: You’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your health, daily habits and how you feel, either ahead of time or when you arrive. Your answers help your provider spot risks, like falls or trouble sleeping.
    • Medical and family history review: Your provider will go over past illnesses, surgeries and health problems that run in your family. They will also ask about your medications and get the names of all the specialists you see.
    • Basic measurements: Your provider will check your height, weight, blood pressure and possibly your body mass index (BMI). Tracking those numbers each year makes it easier to spot changes.
    • Memory, mood and safety screenings: Your care team will ask simple questions to check your memory and thinking. They’ll also screen you for depression, anxiety and alcohol use, and ask about your risk of falling and home safety.
    • Personal prevention plan: To wrap up, you and your provider will map out the screenings and shots you need over the next five to 10 years. That may include tips for eating well, staying active or quitting smoking. You can also talk about advance care planning and share your wishes for future medical care.

    At Fisher-Titus, a population health nurse leads most of the visit. These nurses are LPNs or RNs who specialize in annual wellness visits. Your doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant reviews the results afterward.

    “I just like to clarify for patients that we’re very involved, even if you don’t see our face during that part of the visit,” Dr. Canfield said.

     

    Why You Need an Annual Wellness Visit After 65

    Health can change quickly after 65, and small changes in your memory, balance or blood pressure are easy to miss. An annual review lets your provider catch changes early so they’re easier to treat. It also keeps your vaccines up to date.

    Even if you feel well, it’s important to establish a baseline for your health. Each year, your care team can compare your results to those from the previous year.

    “If a dementia score is coming down this year versus last year, we can intervene more quickly,” Dr. Canfield said.

    The visit also keeps your cancer screenings on track. Dr. Canfield has seen patients agree to screenings they were hesitant about, like an at-home colon cancer test. For some, the results led doctors to find and remove growths called polyps before they could turn into cancer. For others, screening caught cancer early, while it was still treatable. Mammograms also often catch problems early.

    “Patients will come back later and thank the nurse and the doctor for finding it,” she said.

    Regular care supports independence, too. Your provider can spot risks that make it harder to live on your own, like a higher chance of falling. Programs like Ready to Be Steady at Fisher-Titus build strength and balance.

    Seeing the same provider each year builds trust because they get to know you and your goals. That makes it easier to ask questions and get care that suits your lifestyle.

    “When you have a good relationship with your primary care patients, they’re more likely to do what you, as their doctor, recommend,” Dr. Canfield said.

     

    Tips for Preparing for Your Visit

    • Bring all your medications: That includes pills, inhalers, insulin, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, even if another doctor prescribed them. Your provider needs to know exactly what you’re taking so they can check for drug interactions.
    • Bring your health papers: Pack your Medicare and insurance cards. Add a list of your allergies (especially new ones) and copies of tests or surgeries you’ve undergone. Include the names and phone numbers of your specialists, too.
    • Bring your advance directives: Advance directives are papers that detail your wishes for future care. They include a living will, a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and a medical power of attorney. Bring your most recent copies. If you don’t have them yet, bring your questions and your care team can help.
    • Fill out your forms: Your care team may send forms ahead of time by mail or through an app. If the forms are confusing, ask a family member or friend to help.
    • Write down your questions: It’s easy to forget them once you’re in the exam room. You might ask: Which screenings are due this year? Are my medications still right for me? What can I do to lower my risk of falling?
    • Learn your family history: Ask your relatives about health problems that run in the family, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Share what you learn with your provider.
    • Bring a loved one or caregiver: A family member or friend can take notes and help you remember what was said. They can also share changes they’ve noticed in your memory or mood. If they cannot be there in person, you can call them on speakerphone.
    • Check the date of your last visit: Medicare covers one wellness appointment every 12 months, so check when you had your last one before you schedule.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Wellness Visits

    What is an annual wellness visit?

    It is a yearly Medicare visit where your provider reviews your health and makes a plan to help you prevent illness.

    Is an annual wellness visit the same as a physical?

    No. A physical is a full hands-on exam, while a wellness visit focuses on planning and prevention.

    How often can I get a Medicare annual wellness visit?

    Medicare covers it once every 12 months.

    Does a senior annual wellness visit cost anything?

    The wellness visit itself should not cost anything. If you see your doctor that same day for other health problems, you may owe a copay or deductible for those separate services. If you get a bill for the wellness portion, contact your doctor’s office.

    Does Medicare get all my personal information?

    To pay for your visit, Medicare receives the type of visit you had and a list of your health conditions. Your care team may also send some basic information about the quality of care you received. Personal details you share, like family news, are not sent to Medicare.

    Can I have my annual wellness visit by video?

    Yes. Ask your provider’s office about scheduling a telehealth visit.

     

    Hands-On Healthcare for All Ages at Fisher-Titus

    Fisher-Titus cares for patients of all ages, including seniors. We’ll help you understand which screenings you need and connect you with other services, such as mammograms, heart care, fall prevention and home health care.

    Your wellness visit is easy to fit into your schedule. Pair it with another same-day appointment to save a trip. If it’s hard to leave home, you may be able to meet by video while a Fisher-Titus community paramedic visits to help with the call and check your vital signs.

    “We have wonderful population health nurses who are very caring,” Dr. Canfield said. “It’s very important to get patients in for these visits and focus on these things.”

    Contact a Fisher-Titus primary care location near you to schedule your annual wellness visit today.

  • High Blood Pressure: Why It’s Called the “Silent Condition”

    High Blood Pressure: Why It’s Called the “Silent Condition”

    High blood pressure is called a “silent condition” because it usually causes no symptoms, even when your numbers are high. It’s also one of the most common long-term health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of American adults have it, and many don’t know it. Most people with high blood pressure feel completely fine. They go to work, run errands and spend time with family without a single warning sign. Meanwhile, the extra pressure can quietly damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. That’s why regular checkups matter.

    This guide explains why it’s so easy to miss, what your numbers mean and simple steps to protect your health.

     

    What Does “Silent Condition” Mean?

    Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. When that force stays elevated over time, it’s called hypertension. Unlike a cold or the flu, you usually can’t feel high blood pressure, even at very high levels.

    That’s why it’s called a silent condition. While you feel normal, the extra pressure can slowly strain your blood vessels and organs like your heart, kidneys and eyes. Some people believe headaches, dizziness and a flushed face are signs of high blood pressure. Those symptoms can happen, but they aren’t reliable signs. They may have other causes, and many people with high readings never experience them. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to check your blood pressure.

     

    How Is High Blood Pressure Measured?

    A blood pressure reading has two numbers, such as 120/80. The top number, called systolic pressure, measures the force in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, measures the force when your heart rests between beats. Here’s what the numbers mean for adults, based on the American Heart Association’s 2025 guidelines:

    • Normal: Less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom
    • Elevated: 120 to 129 on top and less than 80 on the bottom
    • Stage 1 hypertension: 130 to 139 on top or 80 to 89 on the bottom
    • Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or higher on top or 90 or higher on the bottom
    • Severe hypertension (sometimes called a hypertensive crisis): Higher than 180 on top or higher than 120 on the bottom. If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking, call 911.

    One high reading doesn’t always mean you have hypertension. Your provider will usually check your blood pressure during several visits before making a diagnosis.

     

    Can You Have High Blood Pressure Without Symptoms?

    Yes, and most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. That’s because your body is good at adapting. When blood pressure stays high, your heart and blood vessels adjust to handle the extra force. Over time, artery walls can stiffen and narrow, and your heart muscle may thicken from working harder. None of those changes cause pain, so there’s often nothing to tip you off. Without regular checks, you may not catch high blood pressure until it causes a bigger problem, like heart disease or stroke.

     

    What Causes High Blood Pressure and Who Is at Risk?

    High blood pressure usually develops over time from a mix of factors. Some you can change, like diet and activity, and some you can’t, like age and family history.

    Common risk factors include:

    • Age: Blood vessels naturally stiffen with age, so your risk goes up over time.
    • Family history: If a parent or sibling has high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop it, too.
    • Weight: Carrying extra weight makes your heart work harder to move blood through your body.
    • Diet: Eating a lot of salt and processed foods can raise your blood pressure.
    • Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain and a weaker heart.
    • Alcohol and tobacco: Heavy drinking and tobacco use both raise blood pressure.
    • Stress: Ongoing stress can lead to poor sleep and unhealthy habits that affect your heart.
    • Other health conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea are all linked to high blood pressure.

    Hypertension is more common in older adults, but it can affect people in their 20s and 30s, too. Feeling good is a great sign, but it doesn’t rule out high blood pressure.

     

    What Happens if High Blood Pressure Goes Untreated?

    Left untreated, high blood pressure raises your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss and memory problems. It also tends to show up alongside other conditions, like diabetes and high cholesterol. Together, they put more strain on your heart and blood vessels.

    Over time, that strain can affect your whole body. Damaged arteries can narrow or get blocked, cutting off blood flow to your heart or brain. After years of pumping against high pressure, your heart muscle can thicken and weaken. The tiny blood vessels in your kidneys and eyes can also be damaged, which can lead to kidney disease and vision loss. Narrowed arteries in the legs can cause pain or cramping when you walk.

    The good news is that high blood pressure is easy to check and treat. If your numbers are higher than expected, try not to worry. Talk with your provider about lifestyle changes, home monitoring and medication.

     

    Practical Steps to Manage Your Blood Pressure

    Small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Here are a few places to start:

    • Eat a heart-healthy diet: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Cut back on salt by limiting processed foods, canned soups and fast food.
    • Get moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, like brisk walking or biking.
    • Manage stress: Try deep breathing, stretching or quiet time outdoors. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night also helps your body recover.
    • Limit alcohol: Drinking less can lower your blood pressure. If you drink, ask your provider how much is right for you.
    • Quit tobacco: Nicotine spikes your blood pressure, and smoking harms your arteries over time. Your provider can connect you with resources to help you quit.
    • Use an at-home monitor: Checking at home helps you spot changes early. Choose a monitor with a cuff that wraps around your upper arm, sit quietly for five minutes before measuring and keep a log of your readings to bring to appointments.
    • Follow your treatment plan: If your provider prescribes medicine, take it every day as directed, even when you feel fine.

     

    Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Help for High Blood Pressure

    Even when you feel your best, it’s worth knowing your numbers. A quick blood pressure check gives peace of mind. Make it part of your routine care, like your yearly physical or dental cleaning.

    At Fisher-Titus, our primary care providers can take your readings, review your risk factors and help you build a plan that fits your life. If you need more specialized care, our Heart & Vascular Care team offers advanced testing, treatment and ongoing support close to home. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward a healthier heart.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions About High Blood Pressure

    How often should I check my blood pressure?

    Most adults 40 and older should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. The same goes for younger adults with risk factors like a family history or extra weight. Healthy adults ages 18 to 39 with normal readings can usually get checked every three to five years, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Your provider may suggest more frequent checks if your numbers are high.

    What are the signs of high blood pressure?

    Most of the time, there are no signs. Very high blood pressure can sometimes cause a severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath or vision changes. If you have these symptoms with a high reading, call 911.

    Can high blood pressure go away?

    High blood pressure can be controlled, and for some people, healthy habits are enough to bring numbers back to normal. You may also need medication to stay on track. Even when your readings improve, keep up with regular checks and follow your provider’s advice.

    Are smartwatch blood pressure readings accurate?

    Not yet. The American Heart Association’s 2025 guidelines advise against relying on cuffless devices like smartwatches until they prove more reliable. For the most accurate results at home, use a monitor with a cuff that wraps around your upper arm. Look for one that has been tested and approved for accuracy. Bring it to your next appointment so your care team can make sure it reads correctly.

  • Asthma, Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

    Asthma, Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

    Feeling run down is frustrating. Not knowing why you feel bad makes it worse.

    Your primary care provider can figure out the cause. For now, though, here’s a look at how asthma, allergies and the common cold are different.

     

    Why Those Three Conditions Are Easy to Confuse

    Asthma, allergies and the common cold can all lead to a stuffy or runny nose, coughing and feeling tired. But when you know the cause of your sickness, you can take the right steps to feel better sooner.

     

    Common Cold: What Sets It Apart

    A cold is caused by a virus. Your body fighting that virus is what makes you feel sick. Common signs of a cold include:

    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Sore throat
    • Mild body aches
    • Sometimes a low fever

    Colds usually start slowly, get worse for a few days and go away after 7 to 10 days. They can spread from person to person. So, if you’ve been near someone who was sick, you may have a cold.

     

    Seasonal Allergies: A Different Kind of Reaction

    Allergies are not caused by a virus. They act up when your body reacts to pollen, dust, pet hair or mold.

    Common allergy symptoms include:

    • Sneezing
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Itchy or watery eyes

    Allergies don’t cause fever or body aches, but they can last for weeks. They’re often worst during certain seasons or in certain places. If your symptoms show up at the same time each year or when you’re around pets, you probably have allergies.

     

    Asthma: When Breathing Becomes the Main Concern

    Recognizing Asthma Symptoms

    Asthma is a long-term condition that affects your breathing.

    Common signs of asthma include:

    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest tightness
    • Wheezing
    • An ongoing cough

    Asthma often gets worse at night or after exercise. It does not go away on its own.

     

    When Asthma and Allergies Overlap

    Some people have both asthma and allergies. When that’s the case, one condition can make the other worse. For instance, allergies can make breathing problems even harder to control.

    That can make it harder to know what’s causing your symptoms. A provider can help you sort it out and find the right treatment.

     

    A Quick Reference Guide to Key Differences

    Not sure which condition you have? This can help:

    • Cold: May include fever, spreads between people and usually goes away in 7 to 10 days
    • Allergies: There’s no fever, they don’t spread and they last as long as you’re around the trigger
    • Asthma: There’s no fever, it doesn’t spread and it causes breathing problems like wheezing

     

    When It’s Time to Talk With a Provider

    Talk to your primary care provider if:

    • You have trouble breathing
    • Symptoms last more than 10 days
    • Symptoms keep coming back
    • Medicine from the store is not helping

     

    Getting the Right Diagnosis

    Sneezing and congestion can be confusing. A provider can identify the cause and provide the right care.

    If your symptoms are not getting better, it may be time to schedule a visit.