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A new study suggest that spending up to 30 minutes with a GP is more cost effective than many prescriptive drugs.
In the USA, we take more drugs than any other country does, yet we are less healthy than many people who live elsewhere.
Years ago, people took many less drugs and had spent more time with their doctors discussing and problem solving their health issues. During the HMO era, the model changed to the 10 minute office visit (or less) and the costs of care skyrocketed, while people too more drugs and had more tests which were often of no value whatsoever.
Recently, in Glasgow, the data is suggesting that more time spent with a medical doctor is more cost effective, and is also no doubt less risky than taking medications.
Check out this article.
‘Give patients 30-minute appointments’: Spending more time with a GP ‘is more cost effective than many prescription drugs’
- Patients with chronic conditions were given longer consultations with GPs
- Extra time allowed doctors to sort patients issues and set attainable goals
- When tested 12 months later, health had declined less than other patients
- Experts say associated costs were less than many ‘quality of life drugs’
By KATE PICKLES FOR MAILONLINE and BEN SPENCER FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 07:09 EST, 23 June 2016
During the study, four GP practices in Glasgow offered patients with complex health needs consultations lasting half an hour or more. This allowed doctors and practice nurses to deal with any problems and then agree a care plan and suitable goals for the patient. Follow-up appointments were also arranged to monitor how individuals were faring.
The 152 patients involved were in their early 50s and each had five chronic conditions, including diabetes, asthma, arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Of the eight GP practices taking part, four extended appointments and provided follow-ups. The other four continued with the usual care and standard appointments.
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