3 tips to make patients happy with AWVs, and boost collections on bundled E/Ms

Why This Topic Matters

Annual wellness visits are a common setting for patient confusion and billing disputes when additional evaluation and management work is performed. Clear communication and separate documentation can help practices reduce surprises, improve collections, and keep visit records aligned with billing requirements.

Article Sections

1. Patient education before the appointment

   Explains the importance of preparing patients in advance for annual wellness visits and setting expectations about what the visit includes. The section also discusses ways staff can reinforce that preparation before the appointment.

2. Talking with patients about added billing

   Addresses how practices can discuss separate charges when additional evaluation and management work occurs during a wellness visit. It focuses on patient communication strategies to reduce confusion and dissatisfaction.

3. Document the AWV and E/M separately

   Describes the need to maintain distinct records for the wellness visit and the additional evaluation and management service. It also mentions using standardized documentation tools to support workflow.