7 Healthcast: Group Health

Is that shoulder pain getting worse? Or, that sore throat just wont go away? Maybe you need your cholesterol levels checked?

Whatever it is, sooner or later, we all need to see a doctor.

But for most of us, getting an appointment means waiting weeks or even months!

In Boston right now, the average wait time to see a doctor is almost fifty days.

Zeev Neuwirth, Harvard Vanguard

"There is clearly a demand for more convenient care."

But now a medical program let's you skip the wait as part of a group deal.

Its called a group visit and is offered locally by Harvard Vanguard.

Zeev Neuwirth, Harvard Vanguard

"By having a group patient visit you could probably get to see a doctor if not the same day or next day, then definitely that week."

It's a easy prescription: You sign up for a ninety minute appointment. You'll be one of eight to fifteen patients at the appointment. And, you must sign a privacy and confidentiality agreement.

But not everything is out in the open. You get weighed and have your vitals taken behind a curtain. But then everyone gathers in one big room and there are no secrets!

Rosemaria and Harvey Beaudette of Dracut say group appointments are the way to go!

Rosemaria Beaudette, Patient

"It's not as nerve-racking as you may think. I think that you may tend to open up more because there are more people as I said who are experiencing the same problems you are experiencing."

The Beaudette's scheduled this appointment because they were concerned with recent blood tests. They say they got the medical information they needed and more.

The Beaudette's blood tests were just one of several medical topics discussed in the hour and a half.

The doctor also talked about: Treating diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, losing weight and battling migraines.

Doctor Gretchen Gaida admits group appointments aren't for everyone, especially if you don't want to share your medical condition with others or if you want to privately ask your doctor questions. But she believes the pros outweigh the cons.

Dr. Gretchen Gaida, Internal Medicine

"If they call the day I'm having a group they can be seen that same day, so that's definitely one of the advantages."

And the Beaudette's agree.

Rosemaria Beaudette, Patient

"I think it's a good option. I wouldn't have come back if I didn't."

We found in these appointments that patients are often grouped by gender and have common health issues. And, if you’re wondering, you won’t save any money on this group deal, these appointments cost the same as the traditional ones.

(Copyright (c) 2010 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)