Small Group Appointments Hypertension and Diabetes Small Group Appointments This is a one hour gathering of patients with a similar health condition, who are able to interact with a physician or nurse practitioner, clinical pharmacist and registered dietitian. If you have questions or would like to sign-up, please inquire with your physician. About Hypertension Small Group Appointments Small Group Appointments are designed for chronic disease management, with a focus on patients with high blood pressure. Eight to twelve patients will participate and time will be allotted during each segment for questions and answers. Three participating providers: Nurse practitioner Clinical pharmacist Registered dietitian The one hour appointment consists of three 20-minute segments directed by each provider. Nurse practitioner will provide education answering the question “what is high blood pressure and why do I have it?” Clinical pharmacist will provide education answering the question “how do blood pressure medications work?” Registered dietitian will provide education answering the question “how does food affect my blood pressure?” About Diabetes Small Group Appointments Small Group Appointments are designed for chronic disease management, with a focus on patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. Eight to twelve patients will participate and time will be allotted during each segment for questions and answers. Three participating providers: Physician Clinical Pharmacist Registered Dietitian The one hour appointment consists of three 20-minute segments directed by each provider. Physician will provide education regarding symptoms and complications of diabetes. Clinical Pharmacist will provide education answering the question “why it’s important to understand your medications.” Registered Dietitian will provide education pertaining to nutrition and exercise. Frequently Asked Questions How will a Small Group Appointment help me? You will learn how to better manage your diabetes, while interacting with other patients who also have diabetes. You will gain valuable information from questions and answers being asked that you may not have thought to ask. Asking questions and receiving answers is beneficial for the whole group. Does insurance cover Small Group Appointments? Yes. Small Group Appointments are billed just like a regular office visit. Co-pay and deductible will apply. What time should I arrive? Please arrive 30 minutes before to allow for check-in and vitals. Will my doctor be at the appointment? No. A physician, clinical pharmacist, and registered dietician will be with you. If I choose to participate, will I continue to have future appointments with my doctor? Yes. Small Group Appointments are optional and meant to support and supplement what you are already doing to manage your condition. How often will I have to attend? This is generally a one-time educational visit. Do I have to speak in front of the group? We encourage participation, but the level you participate is completely up to you. Will the appointment take place in a normal exam room? No. Your appointment will be performed in a large room at our Johnson City Internal Medicine Associates location.