A Personalized Approach to Preventive Care
For many people, seeing a new primary care provider means filling out paperwork, sitting in a waiting room, and hoping you’ll have enough time to ask your questions before the appointment is over.
A Welcome Visit at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care is designed differently.
Rather than trying to squeeze years of medical history into a 15-minute appointment, your first visit gives us the time to understand your health, your goals, and what matters most to you. It also creates the foundation for the ongoing relationship you’ll have with your care team.
Here’s what you can expect.
Your Visit Begins With a Conversation, Not an Exam
One of the biggest surprises for new members is that we don’t immediately start with the physical exam.
Instead, we sit down together first.
This conversation helps us understand far more than what’s listed in your medical record. We’ll talk about:
- Your personal and family health history
- Current medications and allergies
- Previous surgeries or major illnesses
- Lifestyle habits like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress
- Preventive care you’ve already completed
- Questions you’ve been putting off
- Your health goals for the coming months and years
Maybe your goal is lowering your blood pressure. Maybe it’s losing weight, managing diabetes, avoiding medications, or simply having a primary care provider who knows you before you’re sick.
Whatever your goals are, they become part of the care plan we build together.
Then We Move Into Your Physical Exam
Once we’ve had time to talk, we’ll move into the physical exam.
Because you’ve had a chance to settle in, even routine measurements like blood pressure often provide a more accurate picture than taking them immediately after walking through the door.
Your provider performs a comprehensive examination that may include:
- Blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight
- Heart and lung evaluation
- Abdominal exam
- Neck and thyroid assessment
- Musculoskeletal evaluation
- Neurological screening
- Skin concerns when appropriate
- Any additional examinations based on your medical history
The goal isn’t simply to check boxes.
Your provider is establishing a baseline for your health while also looking for subtle signs that may warrant additional evaluation or monitoring over time.
What Lab Work Is Included During a Wellness Visit?
Not everyone needs the exact same lab work.
Instead of ordering the same panel for every person, your provider recommends testing based on your age, medical history, family history, medications, and personal risk factors.
Common blood work may include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Looks for signs of anemia, infection, or other blood disorders.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Evaluates kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance.
Cholesterol Panel
- Measures cholesterol and triglycerides to help assess cardiovascular risk.
Hemoglobin A1C
- Screens for diabetes or monitors existing diabetes over time.
Thyroid Testing
- Recommended when symptoms or family history suggest thyroid disease.
Additional Labs
Depending on your history, your provider may recommend vitamin levels, hormone testing, inflammation markers, or other specialized labs.
More importantly than simply ordering the tests, your provider explains what the results actually mean and how they fit into your overall health picture.
Preventive Screenings Matter at Every Stage of Life
A wellness visit isn’t only about today’s health.
It’s also about helping prevent tomorrow’s problems.
Depending on your age, risk factors, and medical history, your provider may recommend screenings such as:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Cholesterol screening
- Diabetes screening
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Prostate cancer discussions
- Bone density testing
- Vaccination review
- Skin cancer evaluation when appropriate
Because your provider knows your history, these recommendations are personalized instead of following a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Building Your Personalized Healthcare Plan
Once we’ve reviewed your history, completed your exam, and discussed any recommended testing, we sit back down together.
This is where your care plan comes together.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- Your immediate health priorities
- Preventive care recommendations
- Lifestyle changes that fit your goals
- Medication options, when appropriate
- Follow-up appointments
- Specialist referrals if needed
- Questions about your membership and how to access care
The goal isn’t simply treating illness.
It’s creating a plan that helps you stay healthy over time.
Getting the Most From Your Direct Primary Care Membership
Your Welcome Visit is also the perfect opportunity to learn how your membership works.
We’ll review:
- How to schedule appointments
- Same-day or next-day availability
- Secure messaging with your care team
- Virtual visits
- After-hours access
- How medication dispensing works
- What services are included with your membership
Many members tell us this is the first time they’ve fully understood how accessible primary care can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Primary Care
How long is a Welcome Visit?
Most Welcome Visits last between 45 and 60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to talk with your provider without feeling rushed.
Do I need to fast before my appointment?
Not always. If fasting labs are recommended, your care team will let you know before your visit.
Will I have blood work during my first appointment?
Many members do, but recommendations depend on your health history, age, medications, and preventive care needs.
Are annual wellness exams included?
Yes. Preventive visits are included as part of your Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care membership.
Do you dispense medications?
Yes. Our clinics stock many commonly prescribed generic medications, with up to 40 medications available in clinic at no additional cost for members. When appropriate, your provider can dispense medication before you leave, saving you an extra trip to the pharmacy.
What if I need additional testing?
If imaging, specialty care, or additional testing is recommended, your provider will help coordinate the next steps and discuss the most appropriate options for your situation.
Is this different from a traditional primary care appointment?
Yes. Direct primary care gives providers more time with each member, allowing for longer appointments, ongoing communication between visits, and care focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and long-term relationships rather than insurance billing.
The Difference Starts with Your First Visit
Your Welcome Visit is more than an introduction.
It’s the beginning of a relationship with a care team that takes the time to understand your health, answer your questions, and build a plan that fits your life.
At Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, we believe great primary care starts with listening. Everything else builds from there.
To learn more about direct primary care membership, click here.