What Is a Medical Group Visit?
When people join forces in a group, a unique process follows. They feel psychologically stronger and suggestible, thereby enabling trained group leaders to implement constructive changes.
Additionally, groups minimize the intense feelings of guilt, shame and isolation associated with chronic medical conditions and diseases. This is only possible when people come together in a safe, protected environment and create a healing community in which each member feels validated.
The group bonding and camaraderie that develops over time, due to patient-to-patient interaction and direct, open communication between medical providers and the group, empowers individual members. It makes them realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Moreover, they may identify with someone, who might be ahead of them in self-care behaviors.
These group experiences develop increased feelings of self-efficacy as well as a deeper understanding of an individual’s medical condition. It also leads to more effective patient coping mechanisms for managing their health issues at home.
During group meetings, patients with similar medical conditions receive consultation in a group. Although group visits save our time and resources, patients are still provided individual time with the practitioner. As a result, patients can enjoy the support from other group members, thereby leading to a more effective healing environment.
Here are some important factors to know about these group visits:
- Patients (5 to 15) suffering from similar medical conditions or issues meet with a medical team. The medical team may include a physician or an advanced practitioner, a facilitator, and, in some cases, specialty practitioners.
- Group patient visits are typically 1-2 hour long that consists of checking vital signs, presentations, individual consultations and group discussions.
- With an interdisciplinary approach to medical care visit, this format is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, weight management, as well as adult wellness.
- Billing depends on standard medical, dietetic, and behavioral billing methods.
It is unrealistic to expect that all the patients involved in the group visits will benefit during the very first session.
The process takes time to yield desired results. You need to be patient with it. In general, it takes about two to three group visits before the participants show signs of visible improvement.
The group sessions can only start becoming effective when the members of the groups start trusting one another and develop a sense of friendship. This process will be able to help break down the barriers between participants and help them overcome their sense of isolation.
This, in turn, will help them to express their problems more freely and develop a sense of determination to bring about a positive change in their lives.
The interactions between patients and the health expert assist in the identification of certain medical and psychological problems that might not be clearly visible in a one-on-one setting. In a collective environment, patients feel more confident to express their problems without any feeling of shame or guilt.
Medical experts have pointed out the benefits of conducting medical group sessions. This is why many health clinics around the world choose to hold medical group sessions to get to know their patients better.
Participants will be asked to update pertinent health history and be expected to participate in the group discussion. Each participant will have an individual consultation with the physician for up to 15 minutes. If more time is required, a follow up office visit will be recommended to address the issues.
Treating Patients Through A Lifestyle Medicine Approach
Empower and lead patients to a healthier life by providing personalized, compassionate medical care and lifestyle education. The lifestyle medicine approach consist of 6 pillars that we strongly value and use to help treat all conditions for our patients.
