In our current system, healthcare is typically focused on simply treating a disease. Fortunately, we are beginning to see alternative holistic approaches to treatment based on the idea that an informed and knowledgeable patient can take a true partnership role in their health with their physician. At The Oregon Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology North, we have a unique Group Visits program that gives us the opportunity to educate our patients about their healthcare beyond the level they usually receive during an appointment.
In fall 2017, after receiving a grant from the Portland Independent Physicians Association, we kicked off a series of group visits designed for a group of patients with common health conditions or concerns. We currently offer 10 classes on topics from contraception, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, menopause, hormone balance, stress management, inflammation, and more.
In these group visits, patients can dive into a single topic and also share information among themselves.
In these group visits – led by a physician, naturopathic resident, or nurse practitioner – patients can dive into a single topic and also share information among themselves. Each class revolves around a single topic, with the option of branch-off classes depending on the patients’ needs. For instance, someone taking a class about hormones might then be inspired to learn more about balancing their blood sugar or stress management after discovering these issues are all connected.
The group visits are held in the conference space at our clinic. It feels like a typical class with handouts and homework. Patients are billed through their insurance, just like a typical office visit. Attendees are already existing patients within The Oregon Clinic and therefore covered by HIPAA (federal privacy guidelines).
Group visits are a great way for our patients to connect with providers who would like to spend time educating their patients on important topics, but rarely have the time to do so in our fast-paced modern healthcare system. One attendee said: “The information was well-rounded, the presentation was conversational but not ‘lecture-y’, and I appreciated the open environment where we could ask questions.”
Our goal in creating these group visits was to inspire a new way of delivering healthcare that is efficient for both the patient and provider. With us, our patients can attend a reliable, reputable program in a traditional setting that incorporates an integrative approach to their healthcare.
If you are an established Obstetrics & Gynecology North patient and are interested in joining one of our group visits, contact us at 503-284-5220. Otherwise, the first step is to make an appointment to establish care with an Obstetrics & Gynecology North doctor and have an individual consultation.