Medical Group Visits

Building and Sustaining a Successful Program

Co-sponsored by the Integrated Center for Group Medical Visits

This 12-week online course with facilitated live sessions will build the expertise and confidence of healthcare providers to develop and manage Medical Group Visits (MGVs).  MGVs provide patients with individual medical attention while encouraging social and peer support, which is so critical to achieve and sustain positive behavior change.  The content of the course is based on research and experience and includes practical advice such as staffing, supplies, layout, and billing, and it addresses conducting MGVs virtually. 

Medical Group Visits (MGVs) typically focus on a disease or condition the participants share such as chronic pain, opioid use disorder, diabetes, or hypertension.   Eight to twenty patients meet with facilitators who might include physicians and advance practice nurses, psychologists, nurses, social workers, medical assistants, community health workers, nutritionists, health coaches, or exercise teachers.

A group may meet weekly to monthly from one to three hours. Meetings typically include

• Individual medical attention
• Patient education
• Time for self-management skills
• Time to connect and socialize

The purpose of medical group visits is to reduce symptoms in patients with chronic conditions, increase access to medical care, and improve self-management skills.  For clinicians, groups allow for increased time and opportunity to provide care and connect with patients.  Additionally, safe and effective integrative techniques and activities like mind-body practices, movement, cooking demonstrations, acupressure, and meditation can be used to guide patients.

The medical care team also benefits from medical group visits…  You can read more about Medical Group Visits (MGVs) and the research supporting them

Links to MGV Research

Who should take this course? 

Administrators, physicians, advanced practice nurses, behavioral health clinicians, and any healthcare professional with an interest in launching, running, or participating in medical group visits

How much does it cost?

We are offering an introductory course rate: $600 per individual, or an institutional rate: $500 per individual for 3 or more people from the same institution, or $350 for students/trainees. 

How long does it take to complete? 

The course takes approximately 12-13 weeks to complete and materials will be available for an additional 30 days. Learners will watch and engage with the recommended modules and then participate in a live online skill-building session with faculty.  There are three required live webinars during the course.

Elements of the Course

• 14 pre-recorded modules, divided into three sections

Click for Curriculum Outline

• 3 live online skill-building webinars using Zoom software
  • An internet-connected device: laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone 
  • For the webinars, you will need a microphone and speakers on your internet-connected device 
• readiness checks, formal assessments, and course evaluation

Registration Schedule

Who teaches this course?

Paula Gardiner, MD, MPH and Jeffrey Geller, MD

Read their bios

Is this course eligible for continuing education credits?