You and Your Schnauzer, Me and My Cockapoo?

I read an interesting article in the AARP Bulletin (yes, I am THAT old!) this month.  It seems one of the up-and-coming ways to provide health care may be 'shared medical appointments' or SMAs.  They're already happening in some specialty practices, like cardiology.  Here's how they work:

As many as 15 patients, who have similar medical conditions, schedule an appointment with one doctor for a 90-minute session.  The doctor answers individual questions as needed, but spends most of the time addressing issues pertinent to the whole group.  One of the benefits is getting to know other patients who are dealing with the same medical (and emotional) issues.  You get more access to your doctor, more education and overall knowledge of your condition, and the chance to network with others who may be of support to you and your family as you progress through treatment.

What do you think about this model in veterinary medicine?  Could it be of benefit to pet parents, as well?

I could see this in specialty practices and at the university teaching hospitals because there are enough clients there to justify the group sessions.  Would it work in private practice, especially if there were group appointments to address issues like annual vaccinations or maybe behavioral issues?

I'm not sure my dog would behave as well as I would if we were in a group appointment.  As a rule, I don't pick fights, but my dog does occasionally! (Pictured is my cockapoo)

--Laurel

Comments

[Ingrid]

I don't like this model, not for human or veterinary medicine. While I can see the benefit of getting to know others who are dealing with the same medical condition and the possible support network that could result from this, there are other ways to achieve this aspect - with support groups, educational events, etc. (for example, puppy classes to disseminate behavior information, special classes on common disease processes - and these classes could then also be a way to market a practice's services to existing and potential clients. Sorry - can't quite shake that former veterinary practice manager hat!)

I really feel that this is just another attempt to cut health care costs. Physicans already don't spend enough time with patients (unlike veterinarians - I think that's where veterinary medicine is far superior to human medicine!). I'd worry about information not being interpreted properly by those attending such a group setting, and I'd also worry about patient confidentiality. While I do think that health care costs need to be contained, I don't think this is the way to do it.

[Dana Durrance]

Hi Laurel,

I agree with Ingrid on this one. I had never heard of "SMA's" and I don't think they'd work very well in Vet Med. In my experience, the typical veterinarian offers more information, more time, and more support than I've ever received in human medicine! I'd be sad to see that level of care reduced.

Your point is well taken Laurel, if the group of patients were to come together as one huge "Pack", who's to say what might happen?

[Laurel]

Yea, I'm not crazy about it either, but thought it was an idea that bears discussion. Thanks for your thoughts!