Group Medical Visits

A GMV is a unique type of medical appointment, generally focused on a single health or lifestyle topic.

During a GMV, a small group of patients (generally 8 to 15) who are on a similar healthcare journey meet with a trained provider for about 90 minutes — longer than a typical one-on-one appointment. This small group setting gives participants time to:

• Learn the latest evidence-based information on the topic (you may receive handouts and/or online resources)
• Receive a medical consultation with a provider in a group setting
• Ask questions, share concerns and gain insights from a supportive group of people facing similar challenges
• Gain more confidence and feel empowered to manage your health concern/condition at home

GMVs may be a single session or multiple sessions, depending on the health topic covered. They may be offered virtually, in person or a combination of both. They are not designed to treat urgent medical conditions or replace regular appointments with your provider(s). Instead, they add another layer of care to your treatment plan.

Confidential information can be addressed, if necessary, in a private consultation with your provider.

Topics can include:

• Nutrition or eating well
• Physical activity
• Menopause
• Acupuncture
• Diabetes
• Stress management
• Restorative sleep

Generally, MNPS employees, retirees and their dependents ages 16+ are eligible for GMVs. Eligibility may vary based on clinical appropriateness and facility age rules (e.g., only ages 18+ allowed in Berry Hill Fitness Center).

GMVs are led by a registered nurse and/or health coach and a medical provider (e.g., physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner). Often, the leaders are experts in the specific topic of the GMV. Other team members, such as fitness professionals, may attend when appropriate for the topic.

For those enrolled in the Certificated Employee Health Plan, there is no cost. If you have other coverage, GMV sessions are the same cost-share as a specialist office visit at the MNPS Health Care Centers under your health plan.

All attendees sign a confidentiality agreement stating that anything shared in a session is not spoken of outside the group.

Group medical visits are designed to address health concerns in a supportive, shared setting. Particularly sensitive matters may be addressed in a private consultation with your provider if needed.

If, at any time, you don’t wish to continue with a session, you are free to leave without judgment or consequence.

You do not have to be a patient at the MNPS Health Care Centers, but we do want you to have a primary care provider PCP.

Need help finding a PCP? Contact MNPS’s Whole Person Care Navigator, Yolonda Powell, at 615-421-1711. Yolonda can help you select a PCP ­­— at our clinics or in your community — who aligns with your preferences and specific health care needs. In most cases, she can even book your first appointment to help you get established with your new PCP.

Upcoming Group Medical Visits will be announced through usual communication channels (For Your Benefit newsletter or e-newsletter, email, etc.). Additionally, our clinic patients may learn about them from a provider. You will be directed to a webpage where you can fill out a form expressing your interest. Then a representative from the MNPS Health Care Centers will reach out to you with information, to answer questions or to enroll you in the GMV.