Qualitative Assessment of Provider Perceptions of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs)

PurposeNationally, completion of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) is associated with better management of chronic diseases, lower hospitalization rates, and improvement of health outcomes, but utilization of AWV services has been relatively low locally at our institution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate provider perceptions surrounding barriers or challenges that affect AWV completion rates locally.DesignSemi-structured qualitative interviews.SettingProviders from one geriatric clinic and two internal medicine clinics were interviewed virtually or in-person.Participants19 providers (13 attending physicians, 1 nurse practitioner, and 5 resident physicians).MethodsInterviews were recorded, and AI-generated transcripts were created. Transcripts were analyzed, coded inductively, and categorized thematically.ResultsSix over-arching themes emerged which highlighted: perceived value and purpose of AWVs, barriers that affect implementation, interventions for effective facilitation, and thoughts surrounding pharmacist-led AWVs.ConclusionProviders believed that the process for completing AWVs was complex and time-consuming, and many thought they offered limited value for older patients with more acute healthcare needs. Opinions on pharmacist-led AWVs were divided in the provider groups interviewed: those with experience appreciated a team-based effort to reduce clinic burden while those without exposure were uncertain that some AWV components are within a pharmacist's scope of practice.