Get the Facts on SMAs

During a shared session, a physician or nurse practitioner will provide medical care, answer your questions, and may order labs, tests and medications. Patients have the opportunity to share and discuss medical concerns with members of the healthcare team and other women.  Treatment options and medications are addressed, and prescriptions are changed or refilled as needed. Read on to learn more about SMAs...

In a SMA a seminar or health education class?

No. A SMA is an actual medical visit with your physician or nurse practitioner. Just as in a traditional, individual visit, SMA patients receive the same medical care, exam, labs and medication review and time for questions. Many patients think the SMA is a seminar or class because of the wealth of information they obtain and the length of the appointment; however, it is actually an extended medical visit.

What are the benefits of an SMA?

• Have more time with your physician and healthcare team

• No time spent in the waiting room – appointments begin and end on time.

• Faster access to your doctor.

• Have the help and support of other patients who may be dealing with the same health issues.

• Patients leave with more information, answers to questions they never thought to ask and sometimes even new friends.

• Enjoy a more relaxed pace of care.  

What will happen at my first appointment?

For first-time patients, we offer an SMA to a smaller group of 6-9 patients. Private exams are done first with your physician before joining the group for the discussion, review of labs and plan for your next steps to improve health.

What about privacy?

All personal information discussed during the visit remains confidential. All patients sign a confidentiality agreement before the visit begins. If your condition requires a private exam, your doctor will examine you outside the group setting. Your privacy will always be respected.  

Is an SMA for me?

Patients who receive the most benefit from a SMA include: 

• Women who have one or more heart disease risk factors.
• Women who want more information and support on how to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, weight loss or even reduce risks for diabetes
• Women who want mind-body care, more time with their physician, periodic monitoring of health goals or closer follow-up
• Women who want medically supervised care for weight loss
• Women who may need to come for frequent return visits or routine follow-up care 

Find out if it’s right for you by attending one or two SMAs. 

If I take advantage of an SMA once, do I always have to visit my doctor this way?

No. SMAs were developed to allow you to spend more time with your physician or nurse practitioner and gain helpful information. It is another health care choice available to you. Many patients who try a SMA will want to return, but you don’t have to. If you prefer the shorter, traditional individual appointments, you may schedule them at anytime, or you can have a mix of both appointment types for your follow-up care.

Can I get my medications in an SMA?

Yes. Anything you would normally do in an individual office visit is done in an SMA. When you leave, you will have any prescriptions the physician or nurse practitioner deems appropriate, as well as appointments for labs or tests and plans for your next steps to improve heart health. 

Can I bring a family member or friend with me? 

Yes. A female family member or support person is welcome to attend your SMA with you. However, the focus will be on your medical care and not theirs. All guests will be asked to sign the same confidentially agreement that the patients do. 

Will my insurance pay for an SMA?

Yes. Appointments are billed the same as a regular individual office visit. There are no extra charges for the extra time. Typical co-pays apply. 

How do I make an appointment?

• Your physician or healthcare team member may invite you to have your next appointment in a shared session.
• Register for a SMA by calling the UVA Club Red Clinic at 434-243-1000 or 800-251-3627.