By Robin DeWind
Usually when you go to the doctor you have 10 or 15 minutes to talk about what's bothering you. Imagine having an hour and a half.
But there's a new way local patients are getting their healthcare. Dr. Teresa Chang is testing out a revolutionary new way to see her patients at Clinton Family Health Center .
Instead of waiting 90 minutes to see their doctor for 10 or 15 minutes, patients who attend "DIGMA" or the drop-in group medical appointment spend 90 minutes with their own doctor within a group of 6, 10 or even 15.
Chang says "More time than my 15 minutes. They get an hour and a half with me and they can ask what ever it is they want, it's their agenda."
The DIGMA is a true medical visit, complete with vital signs, prescription refills, simple exams and medication changes but it's done in a group setting. A list of what each person wants to talk about is shared and individually addressed.
Chang adds, "A lot of them come in with the same symptoms so I thought if I could get them together and have me available every week they could feel comfortable to come in and talk about these things half have diabetes, half have high blood pressure many have depression."
Migel has diabetes, his wife, Elizabeth, has come along to learn about what she can cook for him, she also wants to learn more about how to help lower her husbands sugar.
Rosario Zagal struggles with arthritis, but she enjoys learning about other illnesses.
"I have learned a lot of stuff about diabetes how to eat and what to do and how not to get diabetes."
DIGMA's have been studied nationally. Results show patients are more satisfied, more complient with medications and have fun in the process. Dr. Chang has time to talk about colonoscopy, mammograms and pap smears. She says with the additional time, patients tend to be more honest about their medical history.
"I learn more about them here in this setting than in an individual visit. they'll talk about their family, their social situation, they give me more information about their medical care."
These people don't know each other, but after 90 minutes together they are talking and sharing their health concerns and experiences.
For Rosario, a trip to the doctor's office has been made a little easier.
"I like to interact with other people because of my illness. I understand more about it." Rosario said.
DIGMA started at Clinton Family Health in August. It's open twice a month for patients to stop in. Group medical visits originally started here for patients with diabetes and asthma. It was so successful, Clinton Family Health decided to offer these group appointments.
