MOST Shared Medical Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MOST Appointment?
A MOST appointment is a 90-minute medical visit with your own physician in the company of other patients. Private discussions and examinations are available, as necessary.
Is the SMA a seminar or health education class?
No. The shared medical appointment is not a seminar, health education class, support group, behavioral medicine program, or psychiatry group. Rather, it is an actual office visit with the patient's own physician. The same medical care, exam, lab review, medication reconciliation, and time for questions that a patient would experience in a traditional office visit takes place here. Many people think the SMA is a seminar because of the wealth of information they obtain and the length of time scheduled; however, it is actually an extended medical visit.
Do I have to come every week?
No. You register for a SMA just as you would a regular physician visit, and only attend when you have an actual medical need - or when your doctor asks you to come back.
What if I can't stay the entire time?
You are welcome to stay for the full 90-minute SMA appointment. However, if you need to leave early, just let your physician know at the beginning of the appointment, and she/he will try to address your issues towards the beginning of the session.
Once I try a SMA, do I have to always visit my physician in a SMA?
No. The SMA was designed as a way to have more time and education from your doctor. It is simply an additional healthcare choice that is now available to you. Most patients who try a SMA want to return, but you are under no obligation to do so. If you prefer traditional individual appointments, you may schedule them at any time.
What about privacy?
All participants in the SMA must sign a privacy and confidentiality agreement. Many patients feel shy at first, but then they begin to enjoy the social interaction and share information that is helpful to each other. Also, they receive the benefit of greater medical attention from their doctor during the longer group appointment.
Will my insurance pay for a SMA?
In terms of billing, the SMA appointment is the same as a regular office visit. The bill simply reflects the medical services that are provided and documented. There is no extra charge for the extra time. It is billed as a typical office visit and your usual co-pay will apply.
Can I get my medications in a SMA?
Anything you would normally do in an individual office visit can be done in a SMA. When you leave, you will have any prescriptions that the physician deems appropriate - as well as appropriate vaccinations, referrals, office tests, and a plan for your next steps to improved health.
Can I bring a family member or friend with me?
Yes. It is fine to have a family member or support person present in the SMA. However, the focus will be upon your medical care and not theirs. All "guests" will be asked to also sign the same confidentiality statement that the patients do.
What is a physicals shared medical appointment (PSMA)?
A physicals shared medical appointment (PSMA) is a 90-minute physician appointment in the company of other patients who are also having their annual or periodic physical examination. Patients are often of the same sex and age group. The exam component of the PSMA is still performed by your physician in the privacy of an exam room. However, the discussion, review of the lab data, plan of action and education portion of your appointment is done as a group. Typically, your physician provides the private physical examinations at the beginning of the PSMA session, which is then followed by the interactive group segment of the visit - during which most of the discussion occurs.
Will my physical exam be done in front of the group?
No. Your physician performs the exam in a private exam room. However, as each member of the group is being examined, the remainder of the group is engaged in medical discussions with the care team in a separate group room.