Health Care Shared in a Relaxed Group Setting

You might share your opinion or a meal with a friend – what about a medical appointment?

Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) are a new option for people to receive health care in a relaxed group setting, with others with the same health issue. It allows patients more time to ask the doctor questions about their health concerns, and also connects patients with others who share their diagnosis or condition.

Bruce Eisendorf, M.D., a doctor with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Santa Cruz, explains in a video what happens during SMAs at PAMF’s Santa Cruz locations.

There are several different types of shared medical appointments available in Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watsonville. Health issues addressed include diabetes and cardiac care, hypertension, medical care after weight loss (Bariatric) surgery, physicals (genders separated) menopause and Mind-Body medicine.

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s SMA Program includes weekly and monthly one- to three-hour SMAs to meet a variety of health needs. During shared medical appointments, patients are able to:

• Receive ongoing support for chronic health conditions
• Change or renew prescriptions
• Order tests or procedures and receive test results
• Discuss medications, treatment and surgery options
• Receive medical exams and screening tests privately, when needed

Learn more about SMAs at PAMF’s Santa Cruz area locations. You can also ask your doctor if an SMA would be right for you.