Poll of the Week – Why Are Physicians Not Utilizing the AWV?

The AWV yields three times higher reimbursement for physicians than the average outpatient visit, yet many physicians and patients are failing to utilize it.

A recent survey put forth by the John A. Hartford Foundation asked more than 1,000 patients age 65 and older if they had received an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) in the previous year. Only 17 percent said they had.

Yet the AWV yields three times higher reimbursement for physicians than the average outpatient visit and it costs patients nothing, said Christopher Langston, program director at the Hartford Foundation, during a recent webinar detailing the survey findings.

Medicare records show even more dismal rates for the service. Less than 7 percent of Medicare patients have had the visit, according to government data.
 

 

 

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