SMA - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shared medical appointment?A Shared Medical Appointment appointment (SMA) is a 90 minute physician appointment in the company of other patients who share conditions similar to yours. Examinations are completed privately, as necessary.
What are the advantages of an SMA?
The advantages for patients are more time with your physician, no waiting room time, increased access to your doctor, and the opportunity to learn from the questions and comments of others. Patients leave with a great deal more information, answers to questions they never thought to ask, and sometimes, new friends. For physicians, the SMA helps improve backlogged schedules, allows more time for patient education and increases access to care by providing more appointment slots within a given period of time.
Is the SMA a seminar?
No. The shared medical appointment is not a seminar, but an actual office visit to your physician. The same exam, lab review, and time for questions you 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.
Once I try an SMA, do I have to always visit my doctor in an SMA?
No. The SMA was designed as a way to get more time and more education with your doctor. Over 85 percent of the patients who try a SMA want to return, but you are under no obligation to do so. If you prefer the individual appointment, you may schedule one at any time.
What is the cost for a SMA?
The cost is less than (usually half) the cost for an individual appointment and there is no additional charge for the extra time spent with the physician.
Can I get my medications in an SMA?
Anything you would normally do in an individual office visit can be done in an SMA. When you leave you will have any prescriptions the physician deems appropriate, as well as office tests, vaccinations and 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. All "guests" will be asked to sign the same confidentiality statement that the patients do.