annual wellness vs complete physical

What is the difference in coding a medicare annual wellness exam and a complete physical? What diagnosis codes do you use?

re: annual wellness vs complete physical

The two major differences is that the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) has no mandatory exam component, whereas the exam is an integral part complete physical. In addition, any licensed person can do the AWV, so an RN or LPN can perform the complete AWV without a physician or mid-level's participation. That is not the same for a complete physical exam.


Charlene Endre-Burgett, MS, CMA (AAMA), CPC, CMSCS
Administrator, North Scottsdale Family Medicine
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