Group visits

GROUP MEDICAL VISITS

Group medical visits are a new venture for Westfield Family Physicians. Although group visits have been done in other areas of the country for several years, we have only recently explored this new way to deliver health care. Group visits have been shown to increase patient and doctor satisfaction while improving care and outcomes. The general idea is to invite a group of patients with similar health problems to a “group medical visit”. Each patient is treated individually with vital signs taken, medications reviewed and adjusted as needed and a brief exam. The group spends the majority of the visit together in a meeting area where the doctor can discuss treatment plans, lifestyle changes and other health issues that apply to the group. In this way, patients can benefit from not only the doctor’s advice, but from interaction with other patients who may have struggled with the same problem and come up with solutions of their own.

Our first group visit was held on Jan 26, 2007. Six patients and 3 guests came to this hypertension group visit. The 90 minute visit started with 15 minutes obtaining vital signs and getting organized, followed by 30 minutes of discussion led by Donald F. Brautigam, MD, 30 minutes of visiting, snacks and individual evaluations by Dr. Brautigam and his nurses and ended with a 15 minute wrap up time for planning our next meeting in 3 months. Time was allowed following the group visit for private visits if needed.

Overall, the staff, Dr. Brautigam and the patients felt this first group medical visit was a great success. The patients were eager to sign up for the next one. Brautigam and his staff are looking forward to planning additional group visits targeting other medical problems such as diabetes, heart problems and arthritis.

- FEBRUARY 2007 -

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