Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a GMA?

• A group medical appointment (GMA) is a customized, extended appointment with a patient’s doctor and a behavioral health professional.

2. How do I bill and get reimbursed for GMA's?

• Most providers bill for a GMA in the same way using the same forms that they use to bill for their other visits. The code used is based upon the level of service provided to each patient in the group. In GMA's, services are billed on systems covered and decision making but not based on the amount of time spent.

3. Can 12 patients receive quality care in 90 minutes?

• Yes. Physicians deal specifically with diagnosis and prescriptions while encouraging the facilitator to lead the health education discussion. Also, the facilitator assists the physician with patient data collection thus better managing the physicians’ time.

4. How do we make sure we are compliant with HIPAA regulations when we see patients in a Group?

• GMA patients confidentiality is addressed by patients signing an identity waiver and by providers using an "Authorization for Medical Disclosure" giving providers permission to discuss pertinent treatment issues in a group setting. It is recommended to review any documents of this nature with legal counsel.

Discover all of your own answers
by purchasing DeeAnn's
NEW Book AVAILABLE NOW!

Order Here

or

Contact DeeAnn
(see below)

Contact Information:

MAILING ADDRESS:
DeeAnn Schmucker, MSW, LCSW
420 Claydon Way
Sacramento, CA 95864

BY PHONE:
916-488-7906 or 916-765-1636

BY EMAIL:
GMAinfo@surewest.net

BOOK PUBLISHER:
Visit the Jones & Bartlett Publishers online catalog page for
Group Medical Appointments: An Introduction for Health Professionals
to learn more and order online:

Click the logo