The doctor will see you now -- or tonight or tomorrow or this weekend or online

Some interesting data about access to care in family medicine practices, according to a recent AAFP survey of active members (Practice Profile I, September 2009, 1,156 responses):

• 62 percent offer open access (same-day) scheduling
• 43 percent offer extended office hours
• 30 percent offer e-mail with patients
• 16 percent offer online scheduling of appointments
• 10 percent offer group visits
• 6 percent offer web-based consults or e-visits

The survey found statistically significant increases from 2008 in all but two of the areas listed above -- extended office hours and group visits. Look for the trend to continue as the demand for primary care continues to outpace the supply of primary care physicians, more so if health care reform succeeds in expanding coverage to 31 million Americans.

Posted at 03:43PM Jan 25, 2010 by Leigh Ann Backer, Exec. Editor  |  Comments[0]