Exploring group checkups for diabetes, Parkinson's

What's next? See below.

Wait a minute, Doc. You want me to share my appointment with 10 other patients?

Group appointments aren't just for psychotherapy anymore. Put diabetes, high blood pressure and maybe even Parkinson's disease on the list.

Shared checkups aim to help patients who are battling certain chronic diseases, and they're far from the typical 15-minute office visit. They're stretched over 90 minutes or even two hours, offering more time to quiz the doctor about concerns, learn about managing the disease — and get tips from fellow patients...

"This is a new way of delivering health care," adds Dorsey, now at Johns Hopkins University. "People are thirsting for better ways."

"New" is not the same as better.



Above: the hand for group exams.

Below: an application