Understanding Wellness Checks: Your Guide to Preventive Health and Safety Visits

By Jonathan LeeLast Updated September 19, 2025

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Introduction to Wellness Checks

A wellness check is a proactive service designed to support health, safety, and overall well-being. The term has two primary meanings in the United States: (1) a preventive health visit with a medical provider, and (2) a safety check performed by law enforcement or public safety officers when there are concerns about an individual’s welfare. Understanding both contexts is vital for making informed healthcare and safety decisions for yourself and your loved ones. [1] [2]

What Is a Wellness Check in Healthcare?

In a medical context, a wellness check-sometimes called a preventive care visit or wellness exam-focuses on identifying and addressing health risks before they develop into more severe issues. This type of appointment is not meant for treating specific illnesses or symptoms, but rather for maintaining and improving long-term health. [1] [3]

Main Components of a Medical Wellness Check

During a wellness check, a healthcare provider will typically:

Review your complete medical and family history
Discuss lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, tobacco or alcohol use
Measure vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
Conduct a physical examination (height, weight, reflexes, etc.)
Order or recommend age- and risk-appropriate screenings (e.g., blood tests, cancer screenings, cholesterol checks)
Update immunizations as needed
Offer counseling on preventive measures and healthy living strategies

These visits allow for early detection of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and are essential for monitoring ongoing health conditions. [3] [4]

Wellness Check vs. Physical Exam

While often used interchangeably, a wellness check is typically more focused on preventive care and lifestyle counseling, whereas a physical exam may include more comprehensive testing and address acute health problems. If you’re experiencing specific symptoms or health concerns, a separate medical appointment may be needed. [1]

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may be eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit covered by your plan. This visit focuses on creating or updating a personalized prevention plan, including a health risk assessment, cognitive impairment screening, and review of your medical and family history. [6] Coverage details can change, so it is essential to confirm eligibility and requirements through Medicare’s official site .

What Is a Wellness Check by Law Enforcement?

Outside of healthcare, the term “wellness check” (also known as a welfare check or safe and well check ) refers to an in-person visit by police or public safety officers to verify an individual’s well-being. This service is often requested by friends, family, or neighbors when someone is unreachable, has stopped responding to communication, or exhibits behavior suggesting potential danger (such as suicidal statements or signs of elder abuse). [2] [5]

Common Reasons for Requesting a Wellness Check

Failure to respond to calls, texts, or scheduled meetings
Concerns about mental health or self-harm
Possible elder neglect or abuse
Suspected domestic violence or substance misuse

Law enforcement will attempt to contact the individual and, if necessary, enter the premises to ensure their safety. The process and authority to enter may vary by jurisdiction and situation. [2]

Step-by-Step Guidance for Requesting a Wellness Check

If you’re concerned about someone’s immediate safety, call your local law enforcement non-emergency number. In urgent situations, dial 911.
Provide the address, name, and any relevant information about the individual’s situation or recent behavior.
Describe any specific reasons for concern, such as medical conditions, mental health history, or recent threats.
Law enforcement will dispatch an officer to check on the individual and may contact you with follow-up information.

Policies and procedures may differ, so ask the responding agency about their specific process. For non-emergency situations, you can also contact local social services or community organizations for advice.

How to Prepare for a Medical Wellness Check

To make the most of your preventive care visit, consider these preparation steps:

Gather information about your medical history, current medications, and any recent health changes
Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of your current healthcare providers
Follow any instructions from your doctor about fasting or medication adjustments before blood work

Arriving prepared helps ensure a thorough review and productive conversation about your health goals. [4]

Accessing Wellness Check Services

To schedule a wellness check with a medical provider:

Contact your primary care physician’s office and request an annual wellness or preventive care visit.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you can search for in-network providers through your insurance plan’s website or by calling customer service.
If you are covered by Medicare, visit the official Medicare website or call 1-800-MEDICARE for guidance on scheduling your Annual Wellness Visit. [6]

For wellness checks by law enforcement, use your local police department’s non-emergency or emergency contact numbers as appropriate. For additional support, consider reaching out to local organizations such as Area Agencies on Aging, social services departments, or mental health crisis hotlines.

Benefits of Regular Wellness Checks

Regular wellness checks offer many advantages, including:

Early detection of chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease)
Personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle
Timely immunizations and screening tests
Improved management of existing health conditions
Peace of mind for individuals and families

Proactive visits help you and your healthcare provider monitor health changes over time and adjust care plans as needed. [3]

Potential Challenges and Alternative Approaches

Some individuals may encounter barriers to accessing wellness checks, such as lack of insurance, transportation, or a regular healthcare provider. Solutions include:

Community health clinics and federally qualified health centers often offer low-cost or sliding-scale preventive services.
Telehealth appointments may be available for certain aspects of wellness checks, such as lifestyle counseling or medication reviews.
Many employer-sponsored health plans include wellness incentives or on-site health screenings.
If you are uninsured, contact your state or local health department for information on free or reduced-cost preventive services.

You can also search for “community health center” or “free health clinic” along with your city or county name to find local resources.

Key Takeaways

Wellness checks-whether in the form of preventive health visits or public safety welfare checks-play a crucial role in protecting and promoting well-being. Proactively scheduling regular check-ins with your healthcare provider and knowing how to request a welfare check for yourself or someone else can make a significant difference in health outcomes and peace of mind. For the most accurate and current information, always consult your healthcare provider, local law enforcement, or relevant government agencies.