One of the most consistent concerns prospective physician-clients express is the limited time they now have with their patients. A recent article featured in the PBS News Hour addresses this issue of the increasingly common “15-minute” medical appointments and the impact it is taking on the physician-patient relationship, particularly in Internal Medicine practices.
Interestingly, the article cites the following from a patient perspective… ‘I’m taking the afternoon off work for this appointment. I’ve waited three months for it. I’ve got a list of things to discuss.’ “The doctor is thinking, ‘I’ve got 15 minutes…”
Alternatively, one of the hallmarks of a concierge medical practice is the unhurried lengthened appointments in which the physician and patient can not only address the presenting medical issue but also have the time for the patient to talk and the doctor to listen…a proven effective diagnostic tool. At Specialdocs, our belief is a solid relationship between a physician and a patient is the foundation for effective healthcare.
Read more in the piece, “15-minute doctor visits take a toll on patient-physician relationships”, and let us know your thoughts.