Are group doctor visits on the rise?

This report from Colorado tells us of an OBGYN that has successfully implemented group visits for his practice. Some studies has shown a 7% decrease in cost - reducing the number of hospitalizations, office visits, and calls to nurses. While some patients expressed anxiety (esp. if the pregnancy was their first), many seem to enjoy the camaderie among other patients, more time with the physician, and less time in the waiting room.

If you are interested in implementing group visits, check out this PDF. In it, check out their recommended group visit format and agenda, a sample hand-out to get patients to sign up, and potential productivity calculations.