Group Medical Appointments (GMA) are innovative medical appointments where the physician and a behavioral specialist see patients in a group setting. The group appointment setting allows patients to spend more time with their physicians and participate in beneficial interactions with other people, promoting a better understanding of various medical conditions and problems. GMAs give patients the opportunity to see their physician without having to wait for an appointment. Instead of waiting in the waiting room and exam rooms, patients are directed to the group room and the time formally spent waiting for the individual appointment, is now spent with the physician.

Patients report that they find the groups very informative, supportive, and often feel more capable of managing their health after attending a group. Groups also create additional opportunities for patients to get in to see their clinician on a timely basis. Patients should check with their primary care physician (PCP) to see if he or she participates in this program.