Doctor visits:

What’s the difference?

Clinic appointments can be confusing.

The type of appointment depends on which provider you’re seeing, what it’s for, and whether it’s preventative or diagnostic care (insurance coverage is different for both).

Even the familiar “annual physical” has variations. Choose just one: Most insurance will cover one per year, not two types within the same year.

The purpose of an annual physical exam is prevention – to maintain wellness. It’s not to treat new, current, or chronic health conditions. That requires an office visit, which usually involves co-pays and deductibles.

When you have an annual physical exam, your insurance company may not cover your visit if it includes services related to a current or chronic health issue; you may be billed for two types of visits for the same appointment (preventative and office visit).

So: Which is right for you?