About 13 percent of family physicians offer shared medical appointments, also known as group visits or witnessed medical appointments, according to data from the American Academy of Family Physicians. These visits tend to be for patients who have to learn how to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes. They meet in a small group setting facilitated by a physician or physician extender. This brief article discusses the logistical questions that a practice should address in starting to offer shared appointments, including privacy, group dynamics, and reimbursement.
Source: Elliott, V.S. Group appointments can serve both patients and practices. American Medical News, Sept. 19, 2011. Click here for full text: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/bica0919.htm Posted by AHA Resource Center, (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org
Filed under: Ambulatory care, Physicians, Posted by Kim Garber | Tagged: Group visits, Shared medical appointments, Witnessed medical appointments |
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