| Q. |
What is the men's educational group appointment (MEGA)?
|
| A. |
The MEGA is a 90-minute to two-hour appointment that includes an educational group session with six to nine other patients and a private medical examination with your physician.
|
| Q. |
What happens during the group portion of the MEGA?
|
| A. |
While the physician conducts individual patient exams in private examination rooms, other health care personnel review the participants' laboratory data and provide information on men's health issues. Once the private exams are completed, the physician answers questions, discusses lab results and provides education on men's health-related issues during the group session.
|
| Q. |
Will confidential information be discussed during the MEGA, and how will confidentiality and privacy be addressed?
|
| A. |
Each patient participating in the MEGA is required to sign a confidentiality agreement acknowledging that their confidential medical information will be discussed, and asking them to agree to maintain the confidentiality of other patients' medical information. Physical examinations are conducted in private examination rooms.
|
| Q. |
What are the benefits of the MEGA?
|
| A. |
Benefits of the MEGA include more time for education on men's health issues than in a traditional office visit and the opportunity to learn from the questions raised by other patients participating in the MEGA. In addition, the MEGA often reduces waiting times for appointments for routine physicals.
|
| Q. |
How is the MEGA billed?
|
| A. |
There are no additional patient charges for the MEGA compared to a traditional office visit. Charges in both situations are based on the private patient examination and any identified health issues.
|
| Q. |
Is the MEGA right for me?
|
| A. |
Participation in the MEGA is voluntary. While the MEGA has many benefits, there are some patients for whom the traditional office visit remains the better choice. Given the group setting, individuals with hearing or cognitive impairments, those who have difficulty communicating or understanding others, and people who have difficulty maintaining confidentiality are not likely to benefit from the MEGA. These individuals should consider whether the MEGA is appropriate for them.
|
| Q. |
How do I schedule a MEGA?
|
| A. |
The MEGA takes place twice weekly, on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings. To participate in an upcoming session, please contact the MEGA coordinator at 781-744-8603.
|
