Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113626

Jennifer Huang, MS and Betsy Carrier, MBA. National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 950, Washington, DC 20004, 202-585-0135, jhuang@naph.org

While group visits have improved efficiency and patient access to outpatient care in office-based settings, little is known about their prevalence or feasibility in safety net institutions. Patients receiving care at these hospital systems are disproportionately uninsured and members of racial and ethnic minority groups. This study describes applications of group visit models in safety net systems and identifies ways that group visits are integrated into chronic care management, and primary care and specialty clinics. Thirteen safety net hospitals or health systems in 12 states are included in the study. Case studies of these institutions include information about the characteristics of group visits, the types of patients, anecdotal impact on patient and provider satisfaction and keys to successful implementation. Public hospital systems can successfully implement group visit practices as an important component of their strategy to address growing demand for both primary care and specialty services. All case study sites reported positive patient and provider satisfaction with group visits. The availability of space for the visits and inadequate reimbursement from all payers were the most commonly cited concerns in the decision to use group visits. Staff and patient buy-in were key factors in the success of the intervention. Group visits help to improve access and quality goals in safety net hospitals and health systems. Given that group visits can enhance quality, efficiency, and satisfaction, public and private insurers should reevaluate payment decisions that create disincentives for these activities.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare and contrast different group visit models.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of group visits to health care institutions, providers, and patients within the context of Safety Net Institutions.
• Identify key factors necessary for the successful implementation of group visits in diverse communities and organizational contexts.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.