It is our desire to provide you with high-quality medical care, easy access, more time with your own doctor, and the support of others. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) make this possible.

Patients receive face to face health care in a group setting, which enables them to learn from each other and gain a greater understanding of their own medical conditions. During SMAs, patients benefit from listening to each other's questions while experiencing the support of a group environment.

SMAs are staffed by health care providers including physicians nurses and medical assistants. In addition, a behaviorist, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or marriage family therapist (MFT) from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health is often present to facilitate the meeting and address any emotional concerns related to the patients' health and well-being.

Patients of participating physicians can attend SMAs for the purpose of:

• Having medical questions answered
  
• Changing or renewing prescriptions
  
• Ordering tests or procedures
  
• Receiving test results
  
• Discussing medications and treatment options

When needed, private examinations may also occur during an SMA.