Medical leaders learn advantages of a health management innovation.

One of the hottest ideas in healthcare today is the group medical visit, also known as a shared appointment. South Florida healthcare professionals gathered at Florida International University (FIU) on April 18, 2012 to hear how this concept can significantly improve patient care and a provider’s bottom line.

The event was part of a Health Care Quality Institute series being presented by Health Choice Network in partnership with FIU’s Colleges of Business Administration and Medicine.

“Shared medical visits allow multiple patients to be seen as a group for follow-up or routine care,” said Nancy Borkowski, executive director of Health Management Programs in the business school. “Attendees heard how the innovation is particularly effective in the care of people with diabetes.”

Noel Fernandez, physician and chief medical director, Citrus Health Network; Marc Rivo, physician and senior vice president for managed care and population health, Health Choice Network; Steven Masley, physician, Masley Optimal Health Center; and Kevin Kearns, president and CEO, Health Choice Network

Patients receive an abundance of information from many members of a healthcare team, she explained, plus share stories. Group visits also can improve the efficiency of the healthcare team.

Roster of experts gives in-depth information.

Over 90 medical leaders, including medical directors and CEOs, attended the all-day program. Organizers included from Health Choice Network: CEO Kevin Kearns and coordinator Shelia McCann.

Arnold Oper, medical director of Community Health of South Florida, Inc., has successfully used group medical visits in addition to individual appointments for many years. He described the event at FIU as “fantastic.”

Iliana Rodriguez, registered nurse, Community Health of South Florida; Saint Anthony Amofah, physician and chief medical officer, Health Choice Network; Sharon Greene, registered nurse, Community Health of South Florida; Elizabeth Phillipe, physician, Community Health of South Florida

“As a result of my colleagues hearing such detailed information, we are introducing this practice throughout Community Health of South Florida,” he said. “Everybody’s on the wagon now. They understand what a good idea group visits are and how they prevent a patient from feeling alone.”

A wide range of topics—planning, billing, maximizing incentive payments, team productivity and more—was covered by an impressive list of presenters: Jose Cabral of the Cleveland Clinic; Michael Gervasi, CEO of Florida Community Health Centers; Divina Grossman, founding vice president of Office of Engagement, FIU; Steven Masley, president, Masley Optimal Health Center; and Lisa Rawlins, executive director, South Florida Regional Extension Center.