The Power of an AWV: A Simple Step, Significant Quality Impact
Posted by PHN Communications | May 11, 2026 | Featured News
Employ this strategic opportunity to establish trust, improve health literacy and set the stage for effective chronic care management
A valuable tool for patient-centered care remains the annual wellness visit (AWV), which drives measurable improvements in quality performance, risk identification and patient satisfaction. For providers, encouraging yearly visits is a strategic opportunity to close gaps, strengthen continuity of care and enhance healthier aging.
Why AWVs
AWVs offer a structured framework for prevention-focused care, enabling you to evaluate health risks, update medical history, perform necessary screenings and create personalized prevention plans. This proactive approach helps detect chronic conditions earlier, guide timely interventions and reinforce patient engagement—all key levers for better outcomes.
Impact on quality and gap closure
Studies show* that patients who receive regular AWVs typically have:
- Fewer open care gaps. The visit offers an ideal opportunity to address overdue screenings, such as those for diabetes and colorectal or breast cancer.
- Improved chronic disease management. Early detection and consistent monitoring translate to better condition control and increased medication adherence.
- Higher preventive care utilization. Vaccinations, assessments and screenings are all touchpoints that contribute to stronger quality performance.
Engaging your patients with an AWV can be a meaningful way to enhance patient experience across your panel. We encourage you to reinforce the value of these visits with patients, in that AWVs support healthier outcomes through a coordinated care journey for the year.
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