Home: About Harvard Vanguard: Shared Medical Appointments

Harvard Vanguard's innovative shared medical appointment program offers patients another option for receiving healthcare. Shared Medical Appointments are held with a growing number of physicians and nurse practitioners at Harvard Vanguard practices. Click here to view the schedule of appointments to see if your medical team is participating.

A shared medical appointment offers a 90-minute medical visit with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and a full multidisciplinary care team, in the company of other patients. You participate as part of a small group of 8-15 patients who are scheduled for follow-up care or even an annual physical. During an appointment, you still have the opportunity to be examined or address personal issues privately with your doctor when needed. When you leave, you will have any prescriptions that your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant deems appropriate - as well as appropriate vaccinations, referrals, office tests, and a plan for your next steps to improved health.

Benefits of Shared Medical Appointments

Aside from more time with your primary care provider, what are the other advantages of a shared medical appointment? They offer minimal waiting room time - since these appointments typically start promptly. They also offer improved and predictable access since appointments are held weekly at the same time and can accommodate multiple patients at once. In addition, appointments provide you with the opportunity to:

• Set the agenda for what you would like to discuss with your doctor - the questions and concerns you have
• Schedule more frequent appointments with your provider
• Have more time with your physician - to have your questions and concerns addressed and to have the doctor listen to you
• Bring a support person – spouse, family member, caregiver, or friend
• Have the help and support of other patients who may be dealing with the same issues
• Enjoy a more relaxed pace of care

Sharing Experiences

Many participants find that they learn a great deal from these appointments as patients share experiences and advice during the discussion. “People asked questions and raised issues I never thought of,” said one patient. Other patients say they enjoy the relaxed informality of the group. “I enjoyed listening to others and learning about a variety of topics,” said another patient. “It was fun!”

Maintaining Confidentiality

All participants sign a privacy and confidentiality agreement and the visit is billed as a typical office visit with your usual co-pay. Participation is voluntary so if you prefer traditional individual appointments, you may still schedule them at any time. Shared medical appointments offer another alternative for your health care - and you will likely find them very educational and enjoyable as well!